A New Book on Preventive System Released by Don Bosco Alumni in Kochi By Gilbert Choondal SDBBangalore, Jan. 26. Kochi: A group of past-pupils released a book on Preventive System entitled, ''You have Touched us, We have Grown'' in Kochi on 26 January 2014 in Kochi, dedicated to Fr. KD Joseph, their first Rector, on the occasion of his 80th birthday. The book was edited by Fr. Pius Palathingal, a student of Fr. KD Joseph. Sri ET Lukose, the retired Chief Income Tax Officer, released the book at Don Bosco Vadulthala in the presence of Fr. George Challissery, the provincial of Vice Province of Zambia, Mr. Kurien Mannara,the president of Kochi Past Pupils' Unit, Fr. Joe Fernandez, the founder delegate of Kochi Unit and Fr. Devassy Chirackal, the rector of Don Bosco Vaduthala. Fr. KD Joseph received the first copy of the book.
The book is a joint venture of Salesian Fathers and Past Pupils who were the students of Fr. KD Joseph. The book contains reflections on the Preventive System as lived and experienced by those educated in the Don Bosco Way. It is a collection 31 articles, in 272 pages.
In the first part of the book there are 17 articles dealing with the preventive system of Don Bosco under various aspects. The second part consists of articles by those who lived and experienced this system and how it has helped them in their life and career.
The idea of bringing this book was muted by Mr.E.M.Joseph, and a board of editors was formed with Fr.Thomas Anchukandam, Provincial, Fr.Jose Mathew, former Provincial, Mr.E.M.Joseph, Mr.John Angel and Fr.Pius Palathingal. Fr.Pius is the chief editor. The cover design and the sketches are by Mr.E.M.Joseph.
''The purpose of this book is to hand over to the next generation what we have received from Don Bosco and the Salesian system of education'', said the editor, Fr. Pius. On the occasion of the release, Fr. Pius explained to the audience the purpose of the book. ''We are just round the corner of Don Bosco's second birth centenary. He came at a time when education was far from what it is today. His contribution in the field was not small. The Salesian preventive system as we have it today was born of his creative genius and shaped by his experience in dealing with the youth. We have experienced the benefits of this great system in the salesian houses and schools where we studied and were formed. We have been influenced by many a great Salesians who moulded us and placed us on the road to life and success. One among them is Fr.K.D.Joseph. To make his 80th birthday memorable we are bringing out a book on the Educative System of Don Bosco'' .
The book is published by Kristu Jyoti Publications. The Price is tagged as Rs. 150/- The book is going to be a helpful tool in all the formation houses in the context of the upcoming bi-centenary celebration of the birth of Don Bosco.