Fr. Joseph’s mission took root through tireless efforts. In 1983, he established a boarding house for students from remote villages, introducing vocational training in typing and tailoring by 1984. By 1985, a jeep facilitated educational and medical outreach, while a library and audiovisual tools in 1987 enriched learning. His social initiatives included building 50 homes for the homeless (1992–1994), distributing livestock (100 she-buffaloes in 2001, 440 she-goats in 2004), and launching agricultural projects to empower farmers. In 1993, Fr. Joseph extended his mission to Rajura Bujurg, a tribal village in Buldhana District, where he founded the Adivasi Jan Samuday Udghoshit Society. Here, he built a school, provided free education, uniforms, and meals, and introduced vocational training in welding, carpentry, and electronics. His compassionate care included medical aid and defending the community against forced conversions, ensuring the Rajura Mission’s vibrancy.
About Us
Our History
Fransalian Vidya Niketan (FVNK), founded in 1982 by Rev. Fr. P. V. Joseph in Khamgaon, Maharashtra, embodies the vision of a zealous Fransalian missionary dedicated to uplifting the poorest of the poor. Inspired by St. Francis de Sales, Fr. Joseph envisioned an ashram that would blend spiritual growth, education, social upliftment, and inter-religious harmony. On November 29, 1982, FVNK was registered as a trust, marking the beginning of a transformative journey. Starting with a plot of land purchased in 1981, Fr. Joseph overcame immense challenges, including a remote location near a crematorium, to establish a mission that would change lives. His first act was digging a well in 1982, ensuring clean water for the community—a resource that remains abundant today.
Global Organization
On May 4, 2023, FVNK took a historic step by laying the foundation stone for a CBSE-affiliated school on its Khamgaon campus, blessed by His Grace Rt. Rev. Elias Gonsalves, Archbishop of Nagpur, and Rev. Fr. John Britto Muthuswamy, MSFS. This school upholds the Fransalian motto of “Knowledge, Service, Charity,” aiming to nurture intellectual, cultural, and physical growth while instilling sound moral principles. With a curriculum designed to develop well-rounded individuals, the school fosters faith in God, concern for others, and the “Education of the Human Heart.”
In the 2025–26 academic year, the school welcomed 60 students from Nursery to Standard III, engaging them in vibrant activities like poem recitations, fancy dress competitions, and rhyme contests. Training programs for teachers and parents further strengthen the community, ensuring holistic development.
Our Charism Today
In 2025, FVNK remains steadfast in its mission, faithfully carrying forward Fr. Joseph’s legacy. The school stands as a beacon of hope, extending education to the underprivileged and nurturing responsible citizens grounded in compassion and unity. By blending academic excellence with spiritual and social values, FVNK continues to transform lives, making the founder’s dream a living reality for generations to come.
Our Vision
Our Vision, Mission, and Objectives
Since its inception, FVNK’s vision has been to create a society rooted in peace, love, and unity, where individuals flourish within their cultural heritage. Its mission integrates Christian and Indian spiritual traditions, fostering a simple, austere life through education, social service, and inter-religious dialogue.
Founder of Fransalian Vidya Niketan: Rev. Fr. P. V. Joseph
Rev. Fr. P. V. Joseph, a dedicated priest of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales, lived as a tireless servant to the marginalized, drawing deep from the gentle teachings of his patron saint. Born with a heart for the forgotten, he arrived in Khamgaon during the 1970s, serving as sarpanch in Mali Ghogargaon and igniting change through faith and action. In 1981, he acquired a challenging plot near a crematorium, undeterred by fears, and by 1982 registered Fransalian Vidya Niketan as a trust. Through sheer resolve, he dug wells for water, built boarding houses for rural youth, launched vocational skills in typing and tailoring, and fostered inter-faith gatherings that united diverse souls. His hands raised homes for the homeless, distributed livestock to empower families, and extended missions to tribal areas like Rajura, blending prayer with practical aid. This visionary man planted seeds so firm that today, on the same campus, FVNK thrives as a vibrant hub of spiritual depth, intellectual pursuit, and holistic learning, nurturing generations in the light of knowledge, love, and service.
The objectives include:
Spiritual Growth
Promoting a deep spiritual quest that enriches daily life.
Education for All
Empowering marginalized youth through academic and vocational training.
Social Upliftment
Addressing basic needs like housing, water, and economic stability for the underprivileged.
Inter-Religious Harmony
Building bridges across faiths through regular sat-sangs and cultural exchanges.
Cultural Integration
Encouraging growth within one’s heritage while embracing diversity.
School
Management:
- Our school management is committed to creating a nurturing environment where every child can grow in knowledge, discipline, and values. Guided by the vision of St. Francis de Sales, we ensure transparency, dedication, and teamwork in every decision for the holistic development of our students.