The All India Sunday School Association (AISSA), a related agency of NCCI, successfully organized the Formation Meeting of the AISSA Kolkata Chapter on 22 June 2026 at St. Paul’s Cathedral, Kolkata.
The programme was anchored by Allisa Ajit and began with worship led by children. Scripture was read by Arti Hemberm (Salvation Army) and prayer was led by Rev. Lal Hun Thara (Mizo Presbyterian Church).
Rev. Dr. T. I. James, General Secretary, AISSA, welcomed the gathering, while Rev. Dr. Asir Ebenezer, General Secretary, NCCI, delivered the keynote address. Children Plathuna Chakladas and Saptak Gayon shared their vision for Sunday School ministry.
Greetings were offered by Col. Dr. Andrew Christian, National Executive Officer, Salvation Army, and Rt. Rev. Dr. A. Joshua Peter, Treasurer, NCCI. The gathering also acknowledged the presence of Dr. Esther Kathiroli, General Secretary TNCC, Ms Neelam Gaikwad, Executive Secretary NCCI, Rev. Sabu, Ecumenical Officer BECI and Rev. Ashim Sikdar, Bishop’s Commissary of ECI.
Representatives from CNI, Methodist Church in India, Bengal Baptist Union, Salvation Army, Believers Eastern Church, Mar Thoma Syrian Church, Orthodox, Jacobite, Gossner Lutheran, Mizo Presbyterian, Evangelical Church of India, and other churches participated in discussions on strengthening ecumenical Sunday School ministry in Kolkata.
The meeting unanimously formed the AISSA Kolkata Chapter and elected: President: Rev. K. Sardar (Methodist Church), Secretary: Rev. Ajit Alexander (Mar Thoma Syrian Church), Treasurer: Rev. Arpan Makhan (Church of North India). All participating churches nominated representatives to the Executive Committee of the Chapter.
AISSA expresses sincere gratitude to The Most Rev. Dr. Paritosh Canning, Moderator, CNI and President, Bengal Christian Council, for hosting the programme and extending generous support. Special thanks to Mr. Suman Biswas, Local Organizer, for coordinating the arrangements. Appreciation is also extended to Mrs. Basanti Biswas, Vice President NCCI, Mr. Pradip Goswami, Mr. Samprit Sarkar, Mr. Marshal Kisku, and Mr. Jonathan Halder for their valuable contributions. The formation of the AISSA Kolkata Chapter marks a significant step towards strengthening ecumenical children’s ministry and Sunday School education in Eastern India.
