About Us

The Salesian Province of South India needed a place for an aspirantate for boys from the Bombay and Goa regions. Not many parents were willing to send their children far away to Tirupattur. It was Fr Mauro Casarotti, Rector of Don Bosco, Matunga, in 1957 who first sensed this reluctance and understood the problem. He therefore floated the idea of having a separate aspirantate for the Bombay‑Goa region so as to encourage many more youngsters to join. The place he had in mind was Lonavla.

Not without much struggle for approval of the purchase, Fr Casarotti bought the plot of 13 acres at Tungarli on May 24, 1957. Two more acres would be added later. Though work began quickly, the building was not ready for occupancy in June 1962 when the approval for Std VIII and Std IX was granted. Hearing of the need for a temporary residence for the Salesians, Mr D. C. Nazir offered the use of one of his bungalows to house the fledgling community.

Thus, on April 30, 1962, Fr Hubert D’Rosario, Fr Eliseus Bianchi and Fr Rubio took possession of the Nazir bungalow. They spent the day unloading the lorry which had accompanied them from Bombay. The following afternoon Fr D’Rosario blessed a picture of the Sacred Heart just before he left for Bombay.

The Provincial, Fr John Med, paid his first visit to Lonavla on May 6, 1962. He approved of the arrangements and discussed the construction of temporary washrooms before the school year began.

Fr Joseph Murphy, the first Rector of Don Bosco Lonavla, arrived on June 15, 1962 and he led the first community: Fr Eliseus Bianchi was prefect; Fr Joe Dhyrianathan, headmaster and prefect of studies; Cl. John Samala and Br M. O. Mathew were assistants. Fr Joseph Menezes was confessor. With the arrival of 31 students, Don Bosco Lonavla officially commenced its first academic year on June 28, 1962. Everything took place under one roof at the Nazir bungalow. From time to time, the boys would walk up to Tungarli along with Fr Murphy to watch the progress of the construction work.

On March 19, 1964, the new building was inaugurated and the Apostolic School was shifted to the new premises. There were also changes made among the Salesians.

Fr Murphy, Fr Jos Menezes and Fr Joe Dhyrianathan moved off, making way for the visionary Fr Mauro Casarotti who came back to become Rector. He who had sown the seeds was now here to reap the first fruits. Fr Cajetan Lobo joined the staff as principal and Fr P. I. Jacob was sent as administrator (bursar). Fr K. C. Jacob came as prefect of studies and Cl. Joe Rodrigues joined as assistant. That year the school reopened on June 8 with 92 boys.

In 1965, Fr Casarotti was appointed Provincial of the Calcutta Province. As a parting gift, he initiated the propaganda office at Lonavla in order to financially support the aspirants. The mantle of leadership was passed on to Fr Antonio Alessi who was appointed to take his place.

Meanwhile the strength of the aspirantate steadily increased thanks to the Salesians who invited young boys from the parishes of Vasai and Bombay. In 1966, there was already need of five assistants to look after more than 240 boys. In order to accommodate this growing number, Fr Alessi, with the help of Fr Aurelius Maschio, began the second phase of construction in 1967.

By taking over the leadership of Lonavla in 1969, Fr Olivio Miranda became the first Salesian of Indian origin to be Rector of this esteemed institution. That same year, the new chapel was blessed by Bishop William Gomes.

Meanwhile the town of Lonavla was getting familiar with the Salesians. They were called “the fathers on the hill outside Lonavla.” On the feast of Christ the King, the school band was invited by the parish priest, Fr Patrick Gonsalves. Everyone was amazed to see youngsters play silver musical instruments in such harmony.

In 1975, a separate school block was set up during the rectorship of Fr Tony D’Souza. It was completed when Fr Joseph Casti was appointed Rector, following the appointment of Fr Tony as Vice Provincial. At that time the old SSC was replaced by the new 10+2 and the Junior College was therefore added. This was the first co‑education Junior College venture of the province!

Ever since then, Don Bosco Lonavla has been moving forward and making an impression on many, especially the young, thanks to the Salesians who kept alive the Salesian Spirit.