Don Bosco Alumni Liluah Hosts REUNION 2026, Celebrating a Century of Salesian Legacy and Women Achievers

Don Bosco Alumni Liluah Hosts REUNION 2026, Celebrating a Century of Salesian Legacy and Women Achievers

Kolkata, Jan 29: Don Bosco Alumni Liluah (DBL) organized REUNION 2026 – Back to School, a grand homecoming event at the Don Bosco School, Liluah campus, bringing together alumni from the batch of 1970 to the present. The event celebrated nostalgia, fellowship, and the enduring values of the Salesian mission.

Addressing the gathering, the President of DBL highlighted that Reunion 2026 was dedicated to 100 years of Salesian presence in Kolkata. On 11 November 1925, three Salesian priests arrived at Howrah Station, carrying Don Bosco’s vision—a mission that has since transformed thousands of lives through education and social service.

The sprawling Liluah campus warmly welcomed alumni, many of whom travelled from across India and abroad, rekindling memories with former classmates and teachers.

Empowering Women 2026 and DBL Achievers’ Awards

As part of the celebrations and continuing the Adult Literacy Project initiated in 1961, a panel discussion on “Empowering Women 2026” was conducted. Mentored by alumnus and film producer Mr Amit Agarwal, the session featured eminent personalities including Mr Ashoke Vishwanathan (Moderator), Dr Shyamal Samanta, IPS, Ms Smita Roy Chowdhury, Ms Manoshi Roy Chowdhury, Ms Ekavalli Khanna, Ms Mamta Binani, Ms Kanak Lata Datta, and Ms Richa Sharma.

The event also marked the launch of the first-ever DBL Achievers’ Awards 2026, recognizing distinguished alumni—particularly women—who have excelled in their fields. Women awardees included:

• Manoshi Roy Chowdhury (Education)

• Smita Roy Chowdhury (Media)

• Mamta Binani (Corporate)

• Dola Banerji (Sports)

• Kanak Lata Datta (Fashion & Lifestyle)

• Ekavalli Khanna (Film & Entertainment)

• Dr Rupali Basu (Healthcare)

• Tarrunum Malik Jain (Music)

• Richa Sharma (Fashion & Lifestyle)

• Sangeeta Maheshwari (Social Service)

Men achievers included Dr Shyamal Samanta (Public Service), Ashoke Vishwanathan, and Amit Agarwal (Film & Entertainment). Amit Agarwal became the first alumnus to receive the DBL Achievers’ Award in its inaugural edition.

Additionally, past pupil doctors and chartered accountants were felicitated for their professional contributions under the “Recognising Alumni 2026” session.

Speaking on the occasion, Mr Biswanath Trivedi expressed gratitude to Amit Agarwal (Batch of 1993) for his support in organising the reunion. “When we approached Amit to recognise his achievements, he suggested we also honour women achievers. This idea was embraced by the committee and has now become one of the most impactful elements in the history of DBL reunions,” said Biswanath. He also announced the formation of profession-based alumni groups to foster collaboration, business opportunities, and employment support.

Alumni shared heartfelt reflections: Avinash Agarwal (1995 ISC Batch), who travelled from Birmingham, UK, said, “I feel rejuvenated returning to my alma mater after 30 years. I’ll take back memories and motivation, and hope to return every year.”

Amit Agarwal, emotional on receiving the DBL Achievers’ Award, recalled his school days and shared, “This recognition motivates me to continue performing at my best. My favourite spots remain the auditorium stairs and the church, where I spent countless hours with friends.”

Fr Sanjay Manohar Kujur, Rector Principal, welcomed the guests and reaffirmed the Salesian commitment to uplifting women and youth from marginalized communities. Rev Fr Joseph Pauria, Provincial of the Kolkata Province of the Salesians of Don Bosco, lauded the alumni’s sustained social initiatives, particularly Free Medical Camps and the Adult Literacy Project.

The evening concluded with a live orchestra and a sumptuous dinner, as alumni departed with the promise of returning “Back to School” next year.