St. John Bosco, affectionately known as Don Bosco, was an Italian priest, educator, and visionary of the 19th century who dedicated his life to the service of young people, especially the poor and abandoned. Guided by his deep faith and inspired by kindness rather than severity, he pioneered a unique system of education based on reason, religion, and loving-kindness.
With an unshakable belief in the potential of every young person, Don Bosco created homes, schools, workshops, and oratories that combined learning, skill-building, and spiritual growth in a joyful and family-like atmosphere. His mission was simple yet profound: to form “good Christians and honest citizens.”
Today, the Salesians of Don Bosco carry forward his legacy in over 130 countries, touching millions of lives through education, social outreach, and pastoral care. In the Konkan and beyond, Don Bosco continues to inspire a movement of hope, service, and empowerment for the young.
The Salesians of Don Bosco, a religious order of the Catholic Church, was founded by St John Bosco in the year 1859.
Through a global network of educational and social service organizations which include universities, institutions of higher education, schools and social development centres, we care for the less privileged and the marginalized sections of the society.
We serve over nine million young people the world over.
In India, the Salesians of Don Bosco began their operations in 1906. From a small beginning with a trade school and a hostel for poor children at Thanjavur, Tamil Nadu, the Society today has over 5,000 members.
Its services are offered through Don Bosco University, 39 colleges which include 3 engineering colleges, over 100 technical schools, and a large network of high schools and scores of non-formal technical and agricultural centres, spread across the country, covering the entire spectrum of social development.
The Society is also involved in literacy centres, shelters for street children, rehabilitation and relief operations.