Shanti Niketan is located in Sikajor, approximately 45 kilometers from Sundargarh, within the Diocese of Rourkela in Odisha. The village is a predominantly tribal area with a scattered population living in poverty, and is inhabited by four tribal communities: Oraon, Munda, Kharia, and Kisan. These tribal communities are marked by simple lifestyles, limited economic resources, and restricted access to educational opportunities.​

       The parish at Sikajor was founded in 1966 by the SVD (Society of the Divine Word) Fathers. The parish campus includes a government-aided primary school that serves children from the surrounding villages. To address the challenges faced by poor families whose children attended this school, the Capuchin friars established a hostel facility on the campus, providing accommodation and support services so that students could pursue their education while their parents managed domestic responsibilities.​

       The Diocese of Rourkela administered the parish until 1990. In July 1990, the Capuchin friars assumed responsibility for parish administration, marking a significant milestone in the mission’s development. At that time, Br. Yesudas Kalicheran, OFM Cap., was appointed parish priest, and the late Br. John Joseph D’Almeida, OFM Cap., served as assistant parish priest. Over the time, the parish expanded substantially and was divided into two parishes, one of which is administered by the diocese.​

       Today, the Capuchin friars remain actively involved in administering both the school and the hostel. The campus property continues to be maintained under the jurisdiction of the Catholic Diocese of Rourkela. The Capuchins of St. Fidelis Province, North India, continue to make use of this property and live their religious charism in accordance with ecclesiastical guidelines, ensuring that Shanti Niketan remains a beacon of education and spiritual support for the tribal communities of the region.​