Bengaluru, India: The ASCLA WEST Claretian Educators Conference 2026, organized by the Claretian of Province of Bangalore, was held at Claret Nivas, Bengaluru, from May 18 to 21, 2026, under the theme “Quality and Identity in Education: Meaning and Practice.”  The four-day gathering brought together Claretian educators from various Claretian Provinces ASCLA West for reflection and renewal in the field of Catholic education, fostering unity, collaboration, and a renewed commitment to the Claretian educational mission.

The conference began on May 18 with a solemn inaugural ceremony and the traditional lighting of the lamp, symbolizing wisdom, knowledge, and Christian values in education. The inaugural session was followed by a keynote address by Fr. Joseph Mappilaparambil, CMF, Provincial Superior of Northeast India, who emphasized the transformative role of Claretian educators in shaping young minds rooted in Gospel values and social responsibility.

The conference witnessed the participation and inspiring contributions of the Major Superiors, including Fr. Sabu Koottarappallil, CMF (Bangalore Province), Fr. Joseph Mappilaparambil, CMF (Northeast India Province), Fr. Peter Johnson, CMF (Kolkata Delegation), Fr. Jesu Doss, CMF (Chennai Province), and Fr. Siby Njavallikunnel, CMF (St. Thomas Province). Through their reflections, they emphasized the need for Catholic institutions to promote academic excellence, faith formation, leadership, and social responsibility.

The conference featured enriching sessions on contemporary educational challenges and opportunities. Topics included the Global Compact on Education and the Sustainable Development Goals, leadership in a changing world, Catholic identity in education, Claretian educational challenges, school excellence, and the implementation of NCF-SE 2023. Eminent resource persons such as Fr. V.M. Thomas, SDB, Dr. Sanjay Radhakrishnan, Sr. Dorothy D’Souza, AC, and Fr. Xavier E. Manavath, CMF guided the participants through insightful and interactive sessions.

The conference concluded with a renewed commitment among Claretian educators to foster institutions that promote faith, values, academic excellence, inclusiveness, and nation-building.