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 had a two-day session on Migrant Ministry on October 13 and 14, 2025. The main facilitator for the two days event was Fr Francis Bosco SDB, the director of DB4M (Don Bosco for Migrants).
The first day began with an introductory session, by Fr Bosco. He explained in brief what is migration and the current reality of migration in the country. He then dwelled on the present-day works carried out by Salesians in India. From help desks to health checkup camps, the brothers were presented a comprehensive view of the scenario and the efforts being carried out for these people.
Divyadaan, the Salesian Institute of Philosophy at Nashik conducted a two-day annual seminar by the professors of the Institute on September 30 and October 1, 2025. The theme for the seminar was, “The Romantic Anthropology of Pope Francis.” There were around 120 participants from the institute and from the nearby religious communities. A total of 10 papers were presented by different professors.
On the first day, the programme started sharply at 9 a.m. with the invocation of the Holy Spirit. Fr Robert Pen, the Principal of the Institute, welcomed the gathering. Fr Ivo Coelho, the rector, gave the introductory talk in order to situate the whole seminar.
In a spirit of prayer, gratitude, and fraternity, the Salesian community of Divyadaan, Nashik, joyfully witnessed the installation of Fr Ivo Coelho SDB as the new Rector on the evening of Monday, September 22, 2025. The solemn installation ceremony took place during the Eucharistic celebration, presided over by Fr Ashley Miranda SDB, the newly appointed Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai (INB). Fr Ivo Coelho SDB succeeded Fr Robert Pen SDB, who, with dedication and pastoral zeal, served and guided the community during his term as Rector, and now continues his service as the Vice Provincial of INB.
The Divyadaan Institute of Philosophy in Nashik celebrated the Marian Month with great zeal and enthusiasm. The whole month was organized and animated by the Marian Group of the community. The theme of the celebrations lingered on “Walk with Mary, Mother of Hope”. Interestingly, the brothers had also composed a Marian Anthem on the same theme and was sung almost everyday to honour Mother Mary.
On July 16, Fr Ivo Coelho, the former general councillor for formation, solemnly inaugurated the celebrations, encouraging the brothers to participate wholeheartedly in all the activities of the Marian month. He also explained the significance of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, which was the feast of the day, deepening the community’s understanding and devotion and invited the community to deepen their devotion to her.
The inauguration of the Marian Month 2025 was solemnly held at Divyadaan, Nashik in the VV Hall on July 16, 2025, at 7.30 pm. The event was organized and animated by the Marian Group. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Walk with Mary, Mother of Hope.” The programme commenced with a brief introduction to the theme, highlighting its spiritual significance and relevance for our times. The EMCEEs then invited the assembly to join in singing a hymn to Our Lady, invoking her maternal presence and guidance throughout the month.
The community of Divyadaan celebrated the Vestition of two of the newly professed clerics on 27th June 2025, together with the solemnity of Sacred Heart of Jesus. The clerics were Sahil Tirkey and Sulsant Toppo, belonging to the province of Jesus the Good Shepherd, New Delhi.
The celebration began with the Holy Eucharist, presided over by Fr. Robert Pen, the rector of the community. He reminded the community about the significance of the solemnity and vestition. The solemnity presents the unconditional love that God has for humanity. The Cross and thorns on the heart of Jesus represent the suffering that he underwent for us.
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.