Fr Dr Peter Salew being felicitated by officials from Income Tax Department, GOI on August 30. (Morung Photo)
Morung Express News
Dimapur | August 31
In recognition for his significant contributions made for the good of the people, particularly through the initiative of the Don Bosco Prison Ministry aimed at reintegration of inmates from Dimapur District and Central Jail, back into society, Fr Dr Peter Salew, SDP, Director of Don Bosco Youth and Educational Services (DBYES) was felicitated by the Department of Income Tax, Northeast Region, GOI on August 30 at Don Bosco Provisional House.
This was in line with the Government’s policy of felicitating seven individuals and personalities from Nagaland who have done commendable works in their particular capacities in commemoration of 75 years of Indian independence.
H D Simte, Deputy Commissioner of Income Tax, Aayakar Bhawan, Dimapur, shared his appreciation for the works that Fr Salew had done for the welfare of the inmates of Dimapur and encouraged upon others to do the same.
Fr Peter on his behalf noted that there were many other prominent people who deserved this award but nevertheless appreciated the government’s role, particularly the Income Tax department, in conferring the award to him.
“My intention is to bring meaning to the lives of the people situated at District and Central Jail,” he noted.
He further said that the works undertaken by the church and the ministry were not for self-gratification or promotion but to remember all of them as children of God and deserving of a second chance. Additionally, he stressed the Prison ministry is not a personal initiative but part of the ethos of Don Bosco who began his pastoral ministry by visiting prisons in Turin, Italy which was based on Christ’s teachings, love and kindness.
He added, “We are not here to judge people but to reform and transform them as God fearing people.”
Fr Peter has initiated meaningful ministries, in the form of providing skill training in computer application, organic farming, and poultry rearing, to help inmates reintegrate back into society. Further, he has donated a 3000-liter capacity water purifier as well as ceiling fans for inmates at the Central jail. Besides setting up an organic farm for cultivating cucumbers, spring onions, ladies' fingers, pumpkins, Naga king chili, as well.
The other individuals who were also honoured for their services were Neihunuo Sorhie, for her valuable contributions to keeping handloom heritage alive; Dr Roland Lotha, in recognition of his selfless and valuable work towards welfare of the downtrodden children; Diethono Nakhro, contribution towards the upliftment and rights of persons with disabilities; Rakesh Kochhar, in recognition of his untiring social service in donating and arranging blood for needy patients; Sumit Kumar Patni for social service and efforts during the COVID pandemic; and Methaneilie Solo in recognition of his immense contribution in the field of music.
