(MissionNewswire) Assam Don Bosco University, India’s first Catholic university, has won the “Engaged University of the Year 2020 Asia Pacific Entrepreneurship and Engagement Excellence Award,” according to an article in The Sentinel. This prestigious international award was provided by the Accreditation Council for Entrepreneurial & Engaged Universities in the Netherlands.

The award recognizes Assam Don Bosco University’s work in community engagement and social service within higher education. Don Bosco University won ahead of its competition from the final shortlisted institutions across the Asia-Pacific region, including Swinburne University of Technology (Australia), Fuzhou University (China), Melbourne Polytechnic (Australia), Singapore University of Technology (Singapore), University of the Sunshine Coast (Australia) and Australian Catholic University (Australia).

Pro-Vice Chancellor of Assam Don Bosco University, Father (Dr.) Joseph Nellanatt received the award on behalf of the University at a gala ceremony held in Kochi, Kerala on Jan. 10, 2020.

“The award is a validation of the University’s engagement in service learning—a unique feature of Don Bosco University that integrates academic inputs, relevant community-centered activities followed and preceded by structured reflection in an intertwined partnership. It combines a learning process that results in academic, civic and personal development while, at the same time, tackling the challenges affecting the wider society,” explained Father (Dr.) Stephen Mavely, vice-chancellor of Don Bosco University, in the article.

In 2018, Assam Don Bosco University was honored with the “University of the Year” award by the Indian Federation of Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI). Assam Don Bosco University was the first private university to be built in Assam and was founded on March 29, 2008, by the Don Bosco Society in the Salesian Province of Guwahati. The university was launched to meet the educational needs of students in northeastern India and offers graduate and postgraduate degree programs as well as research programs in various disciplines.

Assam Don Bosco University is recognized by the University Grants Commission and accredited by the National Assessment and Accreditation Council. The university has also established collaborative arrangements with universities and institutions in India and around the world.

India has the world’s fourth largest economy but more than 22 percent of the country lives in poverty. About 31 percent of the world’s multidimensionally poor children live in India, according to a report by the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative. A multidimensionally poor child is one who lacks at least one-third of 10 indicators, grouped into three dimensions of poverty: health, education and standard of living.

Salesian programs across India are primarily focused on education. Salesian primary and secondary education in the country helps youth prepare for later technical, vocational or university study. Other programs help to support poor youth and their families by meeting the basic needs of shelter, proper nutrition and medical care.

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Sources:

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ANS – India – Salesian University receives “Engaged University of the Year 2020 Award”

Assam Don Bosco University

The Sentinel Assam – Assam Don Bosco University receives Engaged University of the Year award

Salesian Missions – India

World Bank – India