The phase one of Basic Training for Catechists (BTC) in Santhali was organised at Don Bosco, Polsonda Parish from 6th to 10th March 2023. This training programme was for the parish lay Catechists. There were altogether 118 participants. All the Catechists were from our own Salesian parishes of Katihar, Sinnet, Berhampore, Polsonda, Azimganj, Boropahari, Joypur, Gazole and Dhobasole. The resource persons for this training programme were Rev. Fr. David Mondal, Fr. M.C. Joseph, Fr. Joseph Biswas, Fr. Kumudo Digal and Fr. Irish Besra. The participants were very happy and were grateful for the course. They did not have this kind of training programme for the last 15 years.  From the group fifty percentage participants had attended the previous training programme others were attending for the first time. The course was designed to touch on the Biblical, sacramental, liturgical, moral, pedagogical, ecclesial, and ecumenical dimensions of our faith. Special thanks to all the parish priests who sent their catechists for training. Thanks to Polsonda Community for facilitating the programme. They are ready to attend the follow up programme next year around same time. Since the number was too big it was felt to have in the following year in two groups.  The Catechists were lucky that Rt. Rev. Nirmal Gomes, the bishop of   Krishnagar diocese came to preside over the mass  and broke the word for them. On the last day, Rev. Fr. Joseph Pauria, the provincial of Salesian Province of Kolkata, also presided over the concluding mass and broke the word for them. It was a great success as such a big number could be accommodated.