CATHOLIC ASHRAM, JOKBAHALA
12December2011


CATHOLIC ASHRAM, JOKBAHALA

Diocese of Jashpur
1980 – Mary Help of Christians

Historical Perspective

Jokbahla parish with a Christian population of 15000 Uraon tribal Catholics spread out in 62 villages in the diocese of now Jashpur, erstwhile Raigarh, was taken up in 1979 under the leadership of Fr. Joe D’Souza. This was the first Salesian House in MP (at present Chattisgarh). Keeping in mind the preferential option for poor youth, the Salesians developed the parish schools and the High School run by the ‘Christian Janata’ having a total strength of about 1000 poor children. Many socio-economic developmental projects too were taken up for the welfare of the rural poor. The F.M.M. Sisters run Primary and Middle Schools and a hostel for girls and also a dispensary.

In 1979, three Salesians reached there and began staying with the diocesan priests. In 1980, the Salesians took over the parish with 62 villages. Later on, the parish was divided, forming two new parishes of Ramsama (which went back to the Diocese) and Jumaikela. The house was canonically erected on 1 September 1987.

Services

Gandhi Smarak Higher Secondary School

The Gandhi Smarak Higher Secondary School in Jokbahla is owned and managed by Christian Janta Society of Jokbahla. After Fr. Johny Padinjareparambil (P.D) took over as the first Salesian principal of the Higher Secondary School in 1996, the school has progressed considerably. In 1999, Science and Commerce streams were introduced to meet the felt needs of the students. A second floor to the High School and a separate auditorium have also been added. Presently there are around 540 tribal students enrolled in the high school.

Sahayika Middle School

The primary and middle school caters to more than 450 poor tribal children from Cl 1 to Cl. 8. Despite the odds, the school has managed to maintain a high standard in education and results. True to the Salesian charism, there are plenty of co-curricular activities which help the boys to have an integral education.

Aspirantate

The aspirantate at Jokbahla has been providing many good vocations to the province and while the whole community is involved in the care of the aspirants, one Salesian is especially in charge of them. An extension to the aspirantate has been constructed to give more facilities for the increasing number of aspirants.

Social Development

Apart from providing education to the students of the area the school has contributed towards the development of the region. As a result of persistent requests from the Salesians, the Government made many culverts on the Banderchuwa – Jokbahla Road. A notable achievement has been the construction of a bridge over the rive Ivi, now known as the “D’souza Pool”. Besides, there are other development works that have been undertaken by the House :

  • Balwadis
  • Creches
  • Village Schools
  • Village Development Progammes
  • Tailoring Centre
  • Open School
  • Remedial Classes
  • Evening Study Centres
  • Typing Centre
  • Computer Centre

Salesian Staff

Fr. Liberatus Bara               Rector & PP  
Fr. Anand Pr. Tirkey           Bursar & HM (Primary & Middle School), APP

Fr. Nazarius Dungdung       Principal (Gandhi Smarak)
Fr. Kishore Kujur.               Asst. Principal (Gandhi Smarak), Apostolic School

Contact

Catholic Ashram
Jokbahla P.O.
Jashpur Dt.
Chattishgarh 496 225

(07764) 201861   -   House
(07764) 200429  -   Administrator


Provincial Speaks

The Province of Good Shepherd, New Delhi, has completed just 11 years. Our strength is 14 regular houses and 10 presences with 160 confreres. The geographical area under our care is very vast : 12 states and one Union Territory, where the youth in significant numbers are illiterate and poor, and the total Catholic population is a mere 0.4% that is 2 million.

We are aware that, with our present limited human and material resources, we may not be able to reach out to big numbers, but, as mother Teresa would say, we believe that, though we are but a drop in the ocean, still, if that drop is not there, the ocean is not full. We do wish to make a difference where we are present by being ‘Salt and Light’. We interpret the location of the Provincial House in the capital of the nation as a God-given exposure demanding great vocational responsibility. We feel indeed like the biblical ‘city on the mountain tip’ called to bear witness to Don Bosco and his spirit in an authentic way.