He was speaking at the event in Liluah area near Kolkata on Sunday.

The 3-day- long Salesian Congress, attended by over 1900 delegates from 12 Salesians provinces from India and Sri Lanka in Don Bosco School Liluah, witnessed the unveiling of the Don Bosco Bi-Centenary Mural by the Rector Major and Father Maria Arokiam Kanaga, Regional Councillor of Salesians, South Asia.

Speaking on the occasion, Artime said, “Want to thank everyone for this beautiful piece of art.”

In a press conference, following the unveiling of the mural, the Rector Major said, “I thank you for giving us an opportunity to explain to you why we are here from Rome in this beautiful city of Kolkata.”

“I am happy to be in India for the very first time,” he added.

Artime expressed his desire to explore more about India.

“It’s a beautiful opportunity to know India and also to recognize the beautiful work the Salesians are doing here.”

“Don Bosco dreamt about his work here in India and I’m happy to see it grow.”

He also spoke about the upliftment of the poor.

“I am very happy to continue the work in favor of the poor and the youngsters. We would like to be close to the poor of this country.”

The Rector Major had some kind words India, praising the country for its youthful exuberance and beauty.

He thanked the Salesians for their continued work and large presence in India.

When asked about his future plans for India, Artime said, “We would want to strengthen the wards in India, fortify them. We believe that in the future we will grow.”

He added, “We are meant to work for the poor, it was Don Bosco’s dream.”

Oh his views about the Indian Government planning to implement Ramayana and Mahabharata as texts in the syllabus, he said, “I do not know much about the education system in India, but I understand that any government can have its own program, its own vision for the people.”

“India is a free country, it provides its citizens with a lot of freedom,” he added, “Any government will do better if they concentrate on things that unify people rather than dividing them,” Artime said.

On being quizzed if he will enter into a dialogue with the Indian Government regarding his institution, he said, “I am here in India only for a few days, so I’ll not be able to do anything much. But, out provincials and other sister institutions that we have will definitely engage in a dialogue with the government.”



 

(Reporting By Sudipto Maity, Images By Subhodeep Sardar/ IBNS.)