Siliguri: The Gift of Joy Project, organized by the Department of Social Work in collaboration with the Centre for Advancement, Salesian College (Autonomous), Siliguri, blended festive fundraising with meaningful outreach. Conceived as both a Christmas initiative and a platform for student‑led experiential learning, the project unfolded over three months with remarkable impact.
From 16–18 December, the campus came alive with Christmas stalls offering candles, food, games, and festive activities. These stalls not only mobilized resources but also drew the college community into active participation.
On 20 December, faculty and students visited Flame of Hope, an NGO for children with disabilities, engaging beneficiaries through cultural expressions, informal interactions, and the distribution of gifts and snacks. Later, at Gulma Tea Garden Primary School, they shared refreshments and reinforced messages of love, peace, and hope with young pupils.
The initiative demanded student responsibility at every stage — planning, mobilization, implementation, and engagement — strengthening leadership and accountability. More than a seasonal celebration, the Gift of Joy Project became a micro‑level social work intervention, embodying collective action, dignity, and solidarity while reaffirming the college’s commitment to values‑based practice. END