Divyadaan, Salesian Institute of Philosophy, was erected within the already existing Institute, Don Bosco Youth Centre, 4 Koregaon Road, Pune—411 001, as a house of immediate post-novitiate training and study of philosophy of the Salesian Province of Bombay in June 1980. On 24 May, 1984, the Institute was shifted to its new site at Don Bosco Marg, Nashik—422 005.
The Institute was affiliated to the Faculty of Philosophy of the Salesian Pontifical University (UPS), Rome in 1982. In March 2000 the Institute was granted Aggregation to the Faculty of Philosophy of UPS by a decree of the Sacred Congregation for Catholic Education, (prot.n. 1035/98). This has made it possible for Divyadaan to offer a Master of Philosophy Degree Course, with specialization in the fields of Education and Social Communication.
The two year B.Ph. course was changed to a three year course in June 2007. This was necessitated by the changes initiated by the Faculty of Philosophy of the Salesian Pontifical University.
Divyadaan, which is primarily at the service of the Salesian Congregation and the Church in India, has as its scope:
1. The philosophical formation, with a special focus on the Indian context, of candidates to the Catholic ministerial priesthood (Salesian, Other Religious, Diocesan) and of the laity (Christian as well as persons belonging to other faiths);
2. The formation of specialists in Systematic Philosophy, Education, and Social Communication.
The Institute aims at the elaboration of a pluridisciplinary but integrated curriculum of studies, in which philosophy plays a vital role in bringing together faith and life, faith and culture. This is done through serious dialogue with Indian thought and socio-economic realities (in particular of youth) and with the sciences of education and communication.
Divyadaan Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik, marked the beginning of its academic year 2025–2026 with a quiet yet meaningful celebration. Centered on the theme “Come Holy Spirit, Inspire Us to Be Bearers of Hope,” the day reflected both the spiritual and intellectual spirit of the Institute.
The programme opened with a Eucharistic celebration, led by Fr Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Mumbai Province and Chairman of Divyadaan. His homily drew attention to the role of hope in our lives today, calling on the congregation to remain resilient and optimistic even in uncertain times.
On Monday, 9th June 2025, in an atmosphere brimming with joy and gratitude, the Divyadaan community warmly welcomed back one of its most esteemed sons - Rev. Fr. Ivo Coelho, SDB - after his remarkable 11-year service in Rome as the General Councillor for Formation of the Salesians of Don Bosco. Fr. Ivo arrived at the Divyadaan: Salesian Institute of Philosophy, Nashik, at around 10.00 a.m., where he was received with heartfelt affection. The entire community, gathered in anticipation, welcomed him with a cheerful song that echoed the joy of having him back among us. His presence, familiar and deeply cherished, immediately rekindled a sense of homecoming.
The Divyadaan Institute organized the Community Day on 19 February 2025. The community began with the triduum from February 16 to 18, focusing on different themes. The title for the community day was ‘Bearers of Hope’ taken from the Strenna 2025.
The event commenced with a morning prayer led by the MPh brothers, where each group shared the positive qualities of their peers, adding a special touch to the celebration. Following breakfast, participants engaged in group games that fostered a sense of togetherness. In the evening, attendees gathered in the chapel for personal prayer, culminating in a solemn Eucharistic Celebration
The Salesians of Divyadaan, Nashik conducted the Oratory Day on February 2, 2025 at Divyadaan. Conducting Oratory for the poor and abandoned children is the traditional practice of the Salesians started by Don Bosco himself. This is one of the significant ways that the Salesians reach out to the children who need care, help and guidance. There are various places in Nashik city, where the Divyadaan brothers conduct oratories every Sunday. This prepares them for their future ministry and allows them to cater to poor children in various ways.
On the 26th of January, Divyadaan Nashik celebrated Republic Day with a special event organized by the first-year students of Philosophy. The celebration took place on the campus of Divyadaan, bringing together students and faculty in a moment of national pride.
The event began with a flag hoisting ceremony led by Sir Vamanay, the Marathi language teacher. Following the flag hoisting, Cl. Aldon the first year student of philosophy delivered an inspiring speech that highlighted the significance of Republic Day and the values enshrined in the Indian Constitution.
On January 18, 2025, the Divyadaan Institute of Philosophy in Nashik hosted a philosophical symposium titled ‘Philosophizing Hope: A Confluence of Faith and Reason’. This event, organized by the MPh and Pre-MPh brothers, aimed to explore the transformative potential of hope, both on an individual and societal level, by integrating the realms of faith and reason. The symposium began at 2.00 pm with a hymn invoking the Holy Spirit, followed by insightful talks that offered various perspectives on the concept of hope. The primary objective was to reflect on how hope, when philosophized and understood deeply, can be a force for positive change in our lives and communities. Three distinguished speakers were invited to share their expertise on the topic, enriching the understanding of hope through their unique lenses - faith, philosophy, and the synthesis of both.
The Divyadaan library has more than 50,000 volumes in Philosophy, Psychology, Education, Sociology, Religion, Science, the Arts, Literature and Salesiana. The library also receives over 100 Periodicals and Magazines. Most of them are in English while some are in French, German and Italian.