The third annual seminar cum workshop of the Participatory Action Research (PAR), now in its fourth year of momentum, was held at the Institute of Rural Studies and Administration (IRSA), at foot of the scenic Kondaveeti hills at Guntur, Andhra Pradesh, India from 5 to 7 of March 2018. . Read More

Desayunador, the happening place in Tijuana for migrants, refugees and street-dwellers, the best symbol of Salesian commitment to the disenfranchised will soon be celebrating 80 seasons of dedicated service to the last and least of the people that live in this city bursting at the seams with a population growing by the day due to migration and deportation. The wonderful work being done by 9 Salesians and a host of volunteers in this Mexican - American border city of Tijuana is nothing short of the miracles in the Gospels. Fr Pallithanam Thomas, the Salesian representative at the UN, recounts his experience at this 'feeding of the 5000'. . Read More

Dr.Jose Maliekal's doctoral thesis, Standstill Utopia - Dalits Encountering Christianity , now a book published by Indian Society for Promoting Christian Knowledge (ISPCK) was released in the presence of community leaders, academics, government officials, church ministers and activists at Ekalavya Training Centre, People's Action For Rural Awakening, Ravulapalem. It was only fitting the that the release was done at Ravulapalem, which is the gateway to Konaseema, the site of the research on Madiga Community's encounter with Christianity.. Read More

The second annual seminar on Participatory Action Research (PAR) for Transformation of Don Bosco Homes for the Young at Risk in South Asia was held at Don Bosco Provincial House on 27-28 March, 2017. There were presentations from 22 PAR research coordinators. Coming from 16 centres in 9 cities and 6 states of South India, they showed how the participation of children really made a difference. They were now part of the solution to problems that frequently occur in these centres. The centres were slowly but surely being transformed as child-friendly and child-directed. The same is now sought to be replicated in the entire YaR (Young at Risk) sector in South Asia.. Read More

Participatory Action Researchers from six South Indian States gathered from 5-7 October for three day training programme. The researchers are all working with children at risk at 19 Don Bosco centres. The children, boys and girls, are eight to eighteen year olds. The programme was inaugurated by Dr. Diana Monteiro, the Director of Hyderabad Academy of Psychology and Counsellor at NALSAR Central Law University.. Read More

The annual philosophical symposium based on the theme of 'Liberalization in India' held at St John's Regional Seminary, Kondadaba witnessed a lively intellectual fervent among the students even before it actually began. The talks and discussions carried out an audit of the ongoing phenomenon from an ecological and political perspective, with alternatives being proposed from the common man's experience. The event took place on September 2, 2016 and was facilitated by Prof. Dr V.B.T. Sundari, from the Department of History, St Joseph's College, Waltair, Andra Pradesh. . Read More

The third conference of major superiors of the Salesian Family (CMS-SF) of South Asia was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore on August 29 and 30, 2016. Altogether 29 members including one founder, one Mother General and Provincials, were present for the conference which was chaired by Father Maria Arokiam, the Regional Councillor of South Asia. . Read More

The South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC) members commenced their annual meeting at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad on August 16, 2016. The five day meeting will focus primarily on the role of the Salesian Rector, the two dimensions of the Salesian vocation, the formation plan of the region for the next three years, and the dynamics of the accompaniment process. The meeting is being attended by Fr Ivo Coelho, the General Councillor for Formation, Fr Joyce Thonikuzhiyil, the Provincial delegate of the SPCSA and the 12 formation delegates from each Province of the region. . Read More

A three day workshop was organised by the Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk (DBNFYaR), to jointly study with a group of Salesian Formation guides the various aspects of furthering the benefits of Participatory Action Research (PAR) in the area of formation. As a research module, PAR is already being carried out in 10 YaR centres of South India with a view to making them more child-directed. Participating in this enterprise were 40 Salesians and lay persons from South India, with representatives also from the North-East. . Read More

The first regional Participatory Action Research Seminar held on March 14 and 15, 2016 at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad, was the culmination of a yearlong endeavor to learn by practicing. The teachers were the children at 27 Young at Risk (YaR) centres situated in nine cities and six states of South India. The whole exercise was an effort to shift roles from being the bosses and teachers of the young to seeing them as subjects and as teachers of what they are and what they wish to be. . Read More

They came from the districts of the States of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana; they who were elected to the district committees by block level functionaries of human rights clubs set up by People's Action For Rural Awakening in over 587 government schools across the two states of Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. They came together to elect their leaders for the state level committees of the federation of human rights clubs in government schools guided by FatherJohn Tharakan. The Andhra Pradesh and Telangana state committees were set up and from these the National Committee of Human Rights Clubs Federation.. Read More

The Little Pickpockets, children from schools in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana where People's Action For Rural Awakening has set up human rights clubs reached out to the children affected by the unprecedented December Floods in Chennai. They decided to pick pockets to make this possible. Only it was their own pockets that they picked to reach out to others and fill their own hearts with the joy of giving. They put their pennies together and collected Rs 1,50,000 and sent their representatives to corporation schools in Chennai to tell that they love and care.. Read More

The Rector Major has nominated Father Thathireddy Vijaya Bhaskar , as the successor to the present Provincial, Father Raminedi Balaraju who will be completing his six year term as Provincial Superior of The Province of Hyderabad. He succeeds Fr Raminedi Balaraju as the fifth Provincial of Hyderabad. As we rejoice at this announcement we gladly welcome him back to the Province (from the Generalate) and sincerely thank Father Balaraju for his yeomen services to the Province.. Read More

The annual Young at Risk (YaR) day celebrations for the Telugu speaking states of Andhra and Telangana were held at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Ramanthapur on December 05-06, 2015. Children from eight Salesian centres along with staff and volunteers - totally 400 people participated in this event. All activities of the two days were centered on the themes 'Family is my right' and 'No bullying'. Taking the annual celebrations to a higher level, the hosting community planned for a day of animation followed by a day of outdoor activity rather than hosting only a sporting event.. Read More

As whole world is marching forward in support the CLIMATE CHANGE so also through the Initiative of WADA NA TODO ABHIYAAN in Telugu Speaking states of Telangana and Andhra Pradesh Regions organized a programme showing solidarity and a cooperation as our world leaders from 196 countries are gathering from 30th November 2015 to 11th December 2015 at Pars in Francis to discuss on Climate change and to work collectively towards protecting our environment. As part this programme on 28th November 2015, some of the like- minded organizations working towards a better society through children gathered along with the representatives of the children from their respective organizations, they are; World Vision, Save the Children PARA, District Child Protection Unit (DCPU) and Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad. Read More

Ongoing formation of Salesians, a holistic formation to youth pastoral and lay collaboration, and formation of formators were the key elements discussed and deepened during the South Asian Formation Commission (SAFC) meeting held at the Salesian Provincial House, Chennai from August 25 to 28, 2015. Besides the formation delegates from the Provinces and the SPCSA representatives, present for this annual programme were Father Ivo Coelho, the General Councillor for Formation and Father Chrys Saldanha from the Department in Rome. The meeting was coordinated by Father Loddy Pires, the Regional Formation Delegate for South Asia. . Read More

Don Bosco Navajeevan stepped in to make a difference in the life of at least a few children whose parents have to sweat it out to maintain their families. A novel way of educating the children at Beach School in Visakhapatnam . Read More

On May 24, 2015, the Salesian Province of Hyderabad was blessed with 17 new Salesians (one of the largest numbers in the recent years) and 6 perpetually professed confreres. There were also 47 formees who renewed their religious vows a day earlier. The theme of the celebrations at the first professions in the novitiate at Manoharabad and the final vows at Bandlaguda, was 'Being Joyful Witnesses of the Gospel to love and serve'. . Read More

Honourable Central Minister for Labour and Employment Sri Bandaru Dattatreya visited Don Bosco Navajeevan home, Nampally on 20th May 2015 as part of Swachh (Clean) Hyderabad programme. Along with him there were also Mr Vinay IAS officer and other nodal officers present. He was very much friendly and interacted with our children. He showed keen interest to know our activities and appreciated the work done.. Read More

Father Yeruva Joji Reddy, the Province Vocation Promoter & Youth Animator of Don Bosco Gunadala has been appointed as Vice Provincial of the Salesian province of Hyderabad by the Rector Major Father Angel Fernandez Artime. The current Vice Provincial, Father Vijyaya Bhaskar Thathireddy is being inducted into the youth ministry team at the Salesian Generalate in Rome.. Read More

The Vocational Training section of Don Bosco Navajeevan Rehabilitation Centre (DBNRC), Ramanthapur was upgraded on 9 April with the latest machinery in the sections of printing, welding, carpentry, tailoring and bakery with the support of GENPACT India. Genpact Limited is a multinational business process outsourcing and information technology services company, whose Indian branch has been supporting some of the rehabilitation activities of DBNRC, Ramanthapur of the Salesian Hyderbad Province, as a part of its CSR programmes.. Read More

The Salesian Province of Hyderabad, lost another of its stalwarts in the person of Fr Chinnappa Thomas on April 5, 2015 (Easter Sunday) at 1 pm while undergoing treatment at CMC, Vellore. He was 78 years old when he breathed his last. He would be eternally remembered for his deep spirituality, love for the poor and simple lifestyle. He had a theologian's mind, a musician's soul and a pastor's heart. The funeral is scheduled for April 8, 2015 at 4 pm at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram. . Read More

Katie Christy, a visitor associated with the Home for the Children from the Street at Ramanthapur, Hyderabad shares the following impressions of ''Action/2015'' event held on 27 March at Saidabad. She is a US citizen from Cincinnati, Ohio, visiting India to acquire cross cultural experiences with youth at risk, and works with children and their parents who have lost custody of them due to abuse or neglect: . Read More

Participants of the Participatory Action Research (PAR) project from the southern Salesian Provinces of India had a three day training programme at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad, 16-18 March, 2015. The PAR method seeks to empower the child and make the child an important stake holder in all matters concerning its growth and welfare. The whole project is carried forward under the auspices of Don Bosco National Young at Risk (YaR) Forum. Besides the animating team of Prof. D. Manti and Fr T.D. John, and the three project coordinators, there were 35 participants in the programme. . Read More

Rajiv Gandhi National Institute of Youth Development (RGNIYD), Sriperumbudur, Chennai organized its first national seminar on youth development on 26-27 February 2015. Around 200 participants from across the country and from 15 states participated in it. Besides the academic presentations by around 50 professionals in plenary and parallel sessions, the seminar provided a big opportunity to students from different universities and Colleges to interact and exchange ideas with each other. There was also an exclusive session for the youth conducted by a young panel in the seminar. The seminar also had cultural evening by the students on themes of youth development.. Read More

The annual feast of Don Bosco on 31 January was celebrated with a difference at Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre (DBRC), Ramanthapur, Hyderabad. Children who had been rescued from bangle industry from the Old City, Hyderabad had been brought to DBRC on 24 January. ''This year they were our special guests for the feast of Don Bosco. We were blessed to have them amidst us'', said the director of DBRC Fr. Sudhakar.. Read More

Over 200 children, held bondage as child labourers, were rescued by the city police of Hyderabad on Saturday, 24 January, from one apartment building in Talabkatta, Bhavaninagar, Hyderabad. Finding no appropriate place to shelter these hapless children, most of whom are from Bihar, they were brought to Don Bosco Navajeevan, Ramanthapur where the Salesians, staff and especially resident children have been going out of their way to make them feel comfortable and secure. The operation based on a tip off was carried out by over 400 police personnel under the leadership of Dy. Commissioner of Police, Mr V. Satyanarayana. It is said a cordon and search operation as part of anti-terrorism checks led to his huge rescue operation. . Read More

In solidarity with the whole world, and specially as a bicentenary initiative, the Salesians of the Province of Hyderabad along with Dalit Bahujan Front (DBF) flagged off the awareness campaign of Action 2015 . Aimed at conscientizing, the short programmes in Hyderabad and Warangal witnessed a group of 15 children meet Dr Rajaiah, the deputy Chief Minister of Telangana State on January 15 and present him with a memorandum in both the places. . Read More

In the midst of kite flying and merry making in Hyderabad city on Sankaranti Day, 15 children dressed in pink launched Action 2015 in Telangana State at a meeting with the Deputy Chief Minister, Sri Rajaiah. The Minister lauded the initiative of the children and pledged to be part of the campaign for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) for 2030.. Read More

The YaR (Young at Risk) National Forum of the Salesians in South Asia, headed by Fr. Thomas Koshy sdb, has started on a beautiful journey of research with the young at risk as participants in a research programme. It will have the scope of studying how YaR centres can be run with the active involvement of the children themselves. The directors of 10 YaR centres from five South Indian Salesian provinces met together from 11-13 December at Chiguru, Vijayawada, to chalk out this programme of Participatory Action Research (PAR) in their centres to begin with. . Read More

The memorial Mass of Fr John Lens, who passed away on 28 November at Manoharabad in the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, was celebrated on 11 December at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram. In his introductory speech, the Vice-Provincial Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar recalled Fr Lens' words uttered during an interview with him, a couple of years ago: ''I worked hard and I worked for the poor!'' With the strong conviction that we were praying to him, rather than for him, the 150 members of the Salesian family gathered for the occasion, spent the morning in Eucharistic thanksgiving and prayer. . Read More

The funeral service of Rev. Fr John Lens was held on 1 December at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram. Bidding him farewell were nearly 400 people: Salesians from every community of the Province, confreres from outside the Province, a large number of Priests and Sisters who knew him, and a large contingent of former Salesians and past pupils, all of whom felt dearly loved and greatly inspired by Fr Lens. He was the last foreign missionary in the Salesian Province of Hyderabad.. Read More

Employees of Accenture and Deloitte took a day off from their white-collar job to soil their hands with and for the children of Don Bosco rehabilitation home at Ramanthapur on 15 November 15. Some of them were so enchanted by the vitality of these children that they pledged to be regular weekend volunteers.. Read More

On 28-29 November 142 children - 57 girls and 83 boys, all members of human rights clubs - had a two day interaction with Juvenile Justice Functionaries of Srikakulam and Vizianagaram districts of Andhra Pradesh. Participating with interest and commitment in the celebration of Children's Right to be heard Programme were 15 members of Juvenile Justice Boards, Child Welfare Committees, Special Juvenile Police Units and the District Child Protection Units. Children representing 63 human rights clubs from 55 schools had many heart-warming stories to narrate of their attempts to be ''Citizens Today'' and not of tomorrow as they are traditionally told to be.. Read More

'Be good and don't forget to breathe!' was the cheerful message spread around by Fr John Lens SDB of Hyderabad Province, to everyone he met all along the 93 years that he spent on this earth. Fr Lens, as fondly called by all who knew him, left for his eternal 'good' yesterday, 28 November 2014 at 11 pm. The Salesian Province of Hyderabad, along with all those dearly loved by him, will collectively pay homage to the mortal remains of this man who gave nothing but his best to God and the Salesian world, on Monday, 1 December at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram, at 2.30 pm. . Read More

Don Bosco Nava Jeevan (DBNJ) MELA 2014 was celebrated on 23 November at Don Bosco Navajeevan Home, Bhoiguda, Hyderabad. Mr Elvis Stevenson, Honourable MLA representing Ango-Indian Community of Telangana State was the Chief Guest and Mrs Savitri Mahesh, Corporator of New Bhoiguda, was the guest of honour. Many donors and benefactors of Don Bosco Navajeevan family too joined in commemorating three major events of this year, namely the bicentenary of the Birth of Don Bosco, Crystal Anniversary of the Don Bosco Navajeevan Homes in Hyderabad and the awareness on the YaR theme for 2014: 'I have a Right to be heard'. . Read More

''Surakshita'' a campaign to prevent Sexual Abuse and Trafficking of Adolescent Girls was flaggd off on 13 November, the Day of Disadvantaged Children, by the Chairperson of the Women's Commission Andhra Pradesh and Telengana States Dr Tripurana Venkatratnam. The occasion marked the commencement of Child Rights Week being celebrated by People's Action For Rural Awakening (PARA) as part of the many events to mark the 25th year of Declaration of Child Rights Convention (CRC). PARA has planned 500 two-hour workshops in selected schools and colleges across the two States of Andhra Pradesh and Telengana as part of the awareness programme. . Read More

''Child Rights are Human Rights, and dear Children, we care for you!'' This was the focus of a series of training programmes and publicity campaigns conducted during the first week of November at Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad. These included the Hub level training for the web application HLK-ChildMISS, Human Rights Education for government school teachers, and the release of posters and T-shirts for the Child Safety Net Campaign.These programmes took place in the context of the 25th year of the approval of the UN Convention on Child Rights (1989-2014).. Read More

Don Bosco Rehabilitation Centre (DBRC), Ramanthapur was blessed on 3 November with the visit of Fr Fabio Attard, Salesian General Councilor for Youth Ministry and his team, and the provincial Delegates of Don Bosco Youth Animation - South Asia. Fr Attard was accompanied by Hyderabad Salesian Provincial Fr Balaraju, and Fr Miguel Angel a youth pastoral team member from Rome, and 35 delegates from the 11 provinces of India and Srilanka. DBRC is to Hyderabad Province what Valdocco was for the Salesians at the inception of their Society in Turin.. Read More

. Mumbai: Formation Commission of the Salesians of South Asia met in Mumbai, October 6-10, for their annual meet and to review the state of initial formation, spiritual accompaniment and use of personal media by those in formation. . Read More

Don Bosco Youth Animation (DBYA) - South Asia (SA) Groups and Movements conducted a training programme for youth animators and leaders in Salesian Pedagogy and formation of youth animating teams on 13th and 14th September, 2014. The seminar in which 32 youth leaders and youth animators from Tiruchy, Bangalore, Hyderabad, Mumbai and Kolkata participated, was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad.. Read More

The 7th of September 2014 brought a pleasant surprise to Don Bosco Navajeevan (DBNJ) as they were gifted a Dance Super Station (DSS) by the General Electronics (GE). Representing the employees were Mr Wayne Unger, Manager and trainer of the GE Company and Ms Neti Lakshmi, the Quality Specialist.. Read More

45 past pupils of Don Bosco Navajeevan (DBNJ) gathered at Don Bosco Rehabilitation, Ramanthapur (Hyderabad) premises for a day long get-together and sharing on 31 August 2014. Gracing the occasion were Fr Noel Maddhichetty SDB, SPCSA Secretary and Salesian Family National Coordinator, and Mr Ramesh Bojja, Andhra Pradesh and Telangana Alumni President. The occasion was also made colourful by the presence of four comedians of the Telugu feature film 'Gabbarsingh' - Sai Baba, Bantu, Praveen Kumar and Ramesh.. Read More

As part of its annual progamme, but with the added fervour of the bicentenary celebrations of the birth of Don Bosco, the Salesian community of Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram organised a Youth Fest on August 31, 2014. There were 143 young participants from the neighbouring 11 Parishes who were treated to a rich animation programme on the theme 'Youth for Change', by Fr Benny Joseph sdb, the assistant Youth Director of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad. The programme commenced at 10.45 in the morning and concluded with the Holy Mass at 5 pm. . Read More

Celebrations of PARA's One Hundred Seasons (25 years) of Journey with Dalit Bahujans drew to a close on 16 August with multi-layered events at Ravulapalem, East Godavari (A.P.). The main events were the blessing and inauguration of 'Surakshita', the Home for Women in Distress, by Rev. Fr Raminedi Balaraju sdb (Salesian Provincial) and Sr Mary George (Vice Provincial, MSMHC), the flagging of the State level campaign against corporal punishments in schools by Prof. Madabhushi Sridhar (Central Information Commissioner), and the Public Meeting at the premises of Ekalavya Training Centre. The occasion also set the trajectory for the Journey PARA will continue to make with Dalit Bahujans.. Read More

The fourth coordination meeting of the Courts of Women took place in the last week of June for East Godavari District in Andhra Pradesh. More than 60 participants, mostly ICDS workers and NGO volunteers, gathered at Samarlakotta, East Godavari (Andhra Pradesh), to reflect on the rising incidence of violence against women and especially to explore an alternate justice system to address violence against women.. Read More

The students of Vishwa Jyothi Don Bosco College, Karunapuram, in the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, joined in a blood donation drive aptly titled ''Donate Blood - Save Life'' on 8 July, 2014. The donation was made possible through the cooperation and collaboration of the Indian Red Cross Society, Warangal. 62 students of Philosophy donated their blood during the programme, most of whom were doing it for the first time in their life.. Read More

After a gap of five years on 4-5 July 2014, the Salesians of Don Bosco of the Indian provinces came together again to confirm the relevance and urgency of their social ministry in the region. The meeting was held at Don Bosco Navajeevan Hyderabad, and attended by 13 stalwarts from the different parts of the country.. Read More

Don Bosco Navajeevan Rehabilitation centre, Ramanthapur (Hyderabad), Home for Street involved and young at Risk Children, organized a month long summer camp which began on 1st May 2014 and ended it with sweet memories on 31st of May 2014. The children from Don Bosco Navajeevan, Nampally too came over to Ramanthapur for the concluding programme. Fr Thathireddy Vijay Bhaskar, the Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, was the Chief Guest for the event.. Read More

For the first time in the history of Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad, two of our boys, Shiva and Pavan, got selected for the coveted Andhra Pradesh Residential School (APRS) programme. The entrance test conducted on April 27, 2014 was taken by five boys from Navajeevan, besides the thousands from the state. Securing this coveted admission, purely on the basis of their hard work, in spite of not having the best of education so far and the least of comforts, is what we congratulate them for.. Read More

A summer camp for the street children of the twin cities of Hyderabad-Secunderabad was simultaneously flagged off on May 1, 2014 at Ramanthapur and Nampally. 130 children from the Navajeevans (street children rehabilitation centres) along with those from the centres run by the Salesian Sisters and Sisters of Charity will be the beneficiaries of this Summer Camp. . Read More

Wondering what sadistic pleasure we derived by bringing students almost the day after the final examinations of the academic year 2013- 14 to prepare for the Academic Year 2014-15? Wondering if we are in competition with corporate schools which have redefined education, vacation and many other traditional vocabulary associated with schools and students? No, we are not in competition. We are travelling on A Road NOW Less Travelled, a Road, the contours of which is still visible despite the grass that has over grown it. The April 25th to 29th Summer Camp for Human Rights Club Office Bearers got off the block the day after the schools closed for holidays so that when the schools reopen they are ready to shoulder their responsibilities as Human Rights Club leaders! 85 students (girls and boys from government schools) participated in the programme. . Read More

On the occasion of the International Day for Street Children (12th April) Don Bosco Navajeevan homes in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad (Andhra Pradesh) organized for the first time a programme for children living on the streets specially in the premises of railway stations in collaboration with the South Central Railways, Railway Protection Force and Government Railway Police of Secunderabad and Kachiguda Railway Stations. . Read More

The 22nd of March 2014 witnessed different voices merging together as the people's voice at the Hyderabad Press Club. This happened at the release of the people's manifesto by children and the representatives of various disadvantaged groups. During the same consultation, Mr. K.R. Venugopal, retired Principal Secretary to three Prime Ministers, released the 'Civil Society Review' of 9 years of UPA I and II. Interestingly this initiative was taken in the backdrop of and as a challenge to the various political parties vying with one another to release their respective manifestos to garner the people's votes. . Read More

RTI 4 RTE (Right To Information for Right To Education) the 6th Phase of Nine Is Mine Campaign was flagged of by Smt.Lam Thantiya Kumari, the State Information Commissioner of Andhra Pradesh at 17.00 hrs, 4th February 2014 from the premises of Ekalavya Training Centre, People's Action For Rural Awakening, Ravulapalem. 350 child human rights defenders, who are members of school based human rights clubs, along with human rights activists from civil society and a host of government senior officials participated in this unique programme. . Read More

On 30th & 31st January 2014, Don Bosco Navajeevan Homes in the twin cities of Hyderabad and Secunderabad (of Andhra Pradesh) celebrated the feast of Don Bosco. On 30th January a cultural programme was organized for the community neighbourhood at Don Bosco Rehabilitation centre of Pragathinagar, Ramanthapur. The 31st of January 2014 witnessed the laying of the foundation stone of the 4th Don Bosco Navajeevan Home closer to the Railway Station at Kachiguda, the inauguration of the 'Don Bosco Shop' for the sale of the Bakery products and other things produced in our workshop and Printing Press and finally the commencement of the Crystal Anniversary of the Don Bosco Navajeevan Homes in the Twin Cities (1999-2014).. Read More

Report of Rapid Assessment Survey (RAS) was released by Don Bosco Navajeevan, Hyderabad, during Children\'s Mela on 22nd January 2014 at Nampally. At the request of the Fr. Sudhakar, Director of DBNJ homes, Ms Saritha, Project Coordinator released the book. The report was then distributed to the distinguished guests present. Mr. Raja Reddy Progamme Manager presented the findings of the Rapid Assessment Survey as he was leading the team from DBNJ, Hyderabad. . Read More

DON BOSCO NAVAJEEVAN organized Children's Mela on 22nd January 2014 at Nampally to celebrate 15 years of its service (1999-2014). The theme of the Mela was \\''PROTECT CHILDREN FROM SEXUAL ABUSE\\''. All the children from DBNJ Homes from the Twin Cities took part in the Mela along with local well-wishers and donors. The Mela was organized at DBNJ, Nampally area of GHMC Sports Complex Ground, to create awareness for the public and to present them the services provided by DBNJ homes for the street children and working youth.. Read More

The Salesian Family Day in the Province of Hyderabad was organized on 10 November, 2013. About forty five representatives from the Salesian Family (SDB, FMA, SMI, SMA, MSMHC, SC and Past Pupils), participated in the Salesian Family Day at the Don Bosco Provincial House.. Read More

A delegation of children from different states of India reached New York on 18th September to interact with governmental and non-governmental organizations as well as with UN agencies to high light the need for listening to the voice of children if we have to make real the dream ''Another World that is Possible'', a world that leaves NO ONE behind. The delegation represents the ''Nine is Mine'' advocacy initiative led by the Wada Na Todo Abhiyan seeking to ensure that India keeps her promise of dedicating 6% on Education and 3% on Health for children at least by 2015. The following is an account shared with BIS by Fr. T. Pallithanam who is accompanying the delegation of children to New York. . Read More

People's Action for Rural Awakening (PARA), Ravulapalem, is completing 100 seasons or 25 years of its service committed to the empowerment of Dalits. What better way to celebrate this than to bring to the awareness of the public the latest and yet the most ingenious law enacted so far to ensure that the dalits definitely cross the threshold of development? This was the simple logic behind the organisation of the workshop on the Andhra Pradesh SC/ST Sub-Plan Act 2013, a unique law in India.. Read More

The members of the South Asian Formation Commission met at Mathias Institute, Shillong (the new Provincial house of the Salesian Province of Silchar) for the annual meeting from September 9 to 12, 2013. Significant time was spent in understanding and discussing the document on the criteria and norms of Salesian accompaniment, reasons for departures from the Congregation, the report of the Rector Major on Formation, the need for our studentates of philosophy to be in 'association' with UPS, the duration of the course of Philosophy, and issues concerning personalisation, motivation, purely academic-centred formation and improper understanding of consecrated life and specific formation of the Salesian Brother.. Read More

The members of the South Asian Formation Commission met in Mathias Institute, Shillong (the new Provincial house of the Salesian Province of Silchar) for the annual meeting on September 9, 2013. Some of the chief topics discussed on the first day of the meeting were the reasons for departures from the Congregation, the report of the Rector Major on Formation, the need for our study houses of Philosophy to be in 'association' with UPS, the duration of the course of Philosophy, and issues concerning personalisation, motivation, purely academic centred formation and improper understanding of consecrated life. . Read More

Flagging off the One Hundred Seasons of Accompanying the Marginalized, especially the dalit bahujans, women and children, People's Action For Rural Awakening (PARA) the social action initiative of Don Bosco Mission Ravulapalem, East Godavari, Andhra Pradesh, celebrated the 'ground breaking' ceremony for the Home for women in distress on July 27, 2013.. Read More

The third preparatory meet, in view of the forthcoming 7th Salesian Brothers' Congress, was held at Don Bosco Provincial House, New Delhi on July 1 and 2, 2013. Br Angelus Tete, the Chairman, convened the meeting, with the able assistance of Br Edwin Arokiadoss, the Secretary and Br Anthony Tigga, the local coordinator. The two day meeting discussed at length the new modality of the Congress, which has as its theme, 'Salesians, be holy', and the various responsibilities of the sub-commissions. There were 12 Brothers who attended the meet. . Read More

Students Ms.Meghamala and Raja Jerubabel of Lutheran School Rajahmundry and Ms.Chandini for NKE English Medium School, Rajahmundry stood tall among a host of government schools teachers as they described how their Human Rights Education classes had given them the knowledge, skill and attitude and the opportunity to take on human rights violations around them. Their narratives were the most inspirational part of the Inaugural two day residential Training Programme for government teachers on the formation of Human Rights. The programme which had 48 participants is being jointly supported by the German Government and Don Bosco Mondo, Bonn.. Read More

''The ground has been tilled. It is now time to sow the seeds by our noble actions,'' were the concluding words of the Provincial Chapter VIII (PC8) moderator, Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar. The last lap of the Chapter proceedings which began on February 4, 2013 concluded with the declaration by Fr Raminedi Balaraju, the Provincial, on February 7, 2013 at 5 pm. Acclaimed to be very serene and truly fraternal in its proceeding, the PC8, did indeed bring to its own awareness several important aspects of our own spiritual, fraternal and apostolic dimensions.. Read More

Starting a Provincial Chapter with the topic of practical atheism seems absurd. Yet that is how it was to be on February 4, 2013 in Hyderabad as 52 confreres (29 ex-officio members; 15 local community delegates and 8 Province Delegates) commenced the eighth Provincial Chapter (PC8) of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad. Providing the initial impetus was Fr Stanislaus Swamikannu, the former Provincial of Chennai, through his radical talk. The PC 8, which concludes on February 7, 2013, also consists of four observers from the Salesian family and two external Secretaries. The moderator of the Chapter is Fr Thathireddy Vijayabhaskar, the Vice-Provincial. . Read More

The Salesian Brothers of the West-zone, comprising of Mumbai, Panjim and Hyderabad, gathered together in Matunga, Mumbai for a five day animation programme on Neuro Linguistic Programming from October 22 to 26, 2012. This programme, as part of the ongoing formation of the Brothers, was animated by Fr Fermin D'Souza SJ. The focus was on helping live our prayer life better through a more holistic attitude based on feelings and emotions rather than mind and reason alone. Altogether 16 Brothers attended this refresher programme.. Read More

The National Council of Don Bosco Alumni-India, belonging to 9 provincial federations gathered at Don Bosco Provincial House, Okhla for their Annual National Council Meet held from the eve of 5th to 7th October 2012. . Read More

The South Asian Formation Commission (SAFC), met for its first annual meeting of the academic year 2011-2012 at the Provincial house of Panjim Province, Odxel. Animated by Fr Francesco Cereda, General Councillor for Formation, Fr Chrys Saldanha from the department of Formation, Rome, and Fr Loddy Pires, the national coordinator of SAFC, the four day meeting commenced on September 10, 2012. Among the many concerns and matters related to formation, the gathering will focus on specifics of intellectual formation, the Salesian Brother, formation with the laity, and an assessment of the six-year plan for the region. . Read More

A fitting and final farewell was given to Fr Abraham Panampara at Don Bosco Karunapuram, Warangal on June 13. The Requiem Mass was presided over by His Grace Most Rev. Thumma Bala the Archbishop of Hyderabad and Fr Raminedi Balaraju, the Hyderabad Salesian Provincial. The 'Panampara Effect' was tangibly felt as numerous salesians, priests, religious, relatives and faithful paid their final respects, prayed and bid him farewell.. Read More

Fr Panampara Abraham (fondly called P.E.), aged 83 - the last surviving of the first batch of pioneers who initiated the Salesian charism in Andhra - died in an accident enroute to the street children work at Vimukti, Vijayawada. The incident occured at 2pm on June 11, 2012. The funeral of this veteran Salesian is scheduled for June 13, 2012 at Don Bosco Philosophate, Karunapuram at 3.30 pm. . Read More

The Extraordinary Visitation of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad commenced on March 6, 2012 at the Provincial House, Hyderabad with a solemn Eucharist in the Shrine of Don Bosco. Fr Maria Arokiam Kanaga, the Regional Councillor of the South Asia Region, met the 45 Rectors and In-charges of the Province for a conference as part of the inauguration. The previous Extraordinary Visitation was in 2005 by Fr Joaquim D'Souza, the then regional superior.. Read More

The third retreat of the academic year of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad was scheduled and held in the second week of January 2012 (9th to 14th) at the Provincial house, Hyderabad. For the 28 participants this was a beautiful opportunity to take stock of the past and plan for the spiritual journey ahead. The retreat was preached by Fr Joe Prabu, currently the Joint-Secretary of the YaR Forum and member of the SPCSA national body.. Read More

The annual debate at St John's Regional Seminary, Kondadaba (the Philosophate of the Andhra Pradesh Bishop's Conference) was held on December 14, 2011. The theme was 'Lokpal bill is the solution to Corruption in India'. Somehow, as in the last four years, the team 'against the motion' won the debate with just 10 points more than their worthy opponents (the total being 277). Fr Joseph Anithottam the Parish Priest of Kondadaba, moderated the debate. Srs Prasanna and Abilasha, Fr C. Thomas, the present spiritual director and Fr Devadas, our former spiritual director were the evaluators for the debate. Fr Wilson, the Principal, was the facilitator. . Read More

Fr. Thathireddy Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, successfully defended his doctoral thesis: ''A PHILOSOPHY OF COMMUNICATION IN THE THOUGHT OF LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN,'' at Universit� Pontificia Salesiana (UPS) on December 13, 2011. He has analysed two principal works: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations to derive a philosophy of communication.. Read More

The Second All A.P. Don Bosco General Knowledge Quiz contest was held at Don Bosco Schoo, Guntupalli, Vijayawada, on December 05, 2011.. Read More

The Salesian and boys' residence at Don Bosco Mission, Peddaboddepalli (Narsipatnam) was blessed and inaugurated in the presence of Most Rev. Karnam Joji Babu (Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam), Fr Raminedi Balaraju (Provincial), members of the Salesian Family and nearly 400 guests on December 3, 2011. The celebrations commenced with the blessing of the new building, followed by the Holy Mass, and concluded with a colourful cultural programme and meal for the special invitees. The elaborate and intense preparations by Fr Madanu Rayappa and the confreres of the place were appreciated by all.. Read More

The Andhra Pradesh Bishop's Conference's Regional Seminary, St John's at Kondadaba (35 kms from the port city of Visakhapatnam) celebrated its 24th annual Seminary Day on November 22, 2011. The chief guest of the day was Most Rev. A. Innaiah (Bishop of Srikakulam). The highlights of the day were the Holy Mass in the morning, the 3-act English play on the Kingdom of God in the evening, the presence of many well wishers and friends of the Seminary and the planting of the commemorative Jubilee plant on the occasion of the commencement of the Jubilee year of the Seminary. . Read More

The Rail Yatris of the Nine Is Mine Campaign with 9 Children traveling along the East Coast was given a rousing welcome at Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The children with their adult guides arrived from Calcutta by Howrah-Hatia Express at Ranchi by 8.30 am. At the station they were received by staff and students of Don Bosco School led by the principal of the school, Fr. Davis. Kokar and by a team from World Vision led by Rekha Purnima Xalxo -Program Officer Incharge-ADP Ranchi|. The school band of Don Bosco led the motley group while the girls from World Vision dressed in tribal dress danced to lively steps as they led the to board the bus to Loreto Convent. Read More

Launched on 12th November 2011, the Children's Rail Yatra from Kanyakumari to New Delhi got off to a rousing start with over 300 children belonging to the Chidren's Parliament hosting the Rallyists at the Community Hall of Madathattuvilai, a village 10 kilometers from Nagercoil. They are to reach Delhi on 19th bringing their campaign for 9% of the Central Budget for children - 6% for Education and 3% for health. . Read More

The first Salesian Family Formation Meeting of South Asian region was held in Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore on November 9-13, 2011. The Salesian Family delegates of 10 SDB and 6 FMA provinces of South Asian region participated in the meeting. It was animated by the world delegates of SDB and FMA delegates for Salesian Cooperators and Don Bosco Alumni and FMA past pupils from Rome. The meeting was first of its kind which is held in the South Asian Region and 45 delegates participated.. Read More

As Nau Kadam Express chugged out of Kanyakumari station the Fourth Phase of 'Nine is Mine' Campaign by children demanding 6% of the GDP for Education and 3% for Health got off to a great start blessed by children from Neighbourhood Parliaments from Kanyakumari. The contents: 9 children, 9 days, 9 cities, 9 states, 9 demands and the determination to get 9% for children's Education and Health. The Rally was flagged off by Sri. Balakrishna, the Dy.S.P. of Kanyakumari. The rally will reach New Delhi on 19th having passed through Madurai, Chennai, Rajamundry, Bhubaneswar, Kolkotta, Ranchi, Kanpur. . Read More

The Salesian Province of Hyderabad celebrated seven jubilees of the confreres on 29th October, 2011 at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad. The jubilarians, Fr. Panampara Abraham (Diamond Jubilee of Profession), Fr. Thattil Chacko, Fr. Alappat Jose, Br. Susai Dennis (Golden Jubilees of profession), Fr. V. M. George (Silver Jubilee of Ordination), Fr. Raminedi Balaraju, Fr. Gopu Marreddy (Silver Jubilees of Profession) were felicitated for their commitment to Christ and to Don Bosco. . Read More

A major stop of the Relic outside the Salesian houses was at St Mary's Cathedral, Secunderabad. The Relic was kept for public veneration where people gathered in large numbers to pay homage. Call it a matter of coincidence or choice, that Don Bosco, an ardent devotee of Mary, should once again find himself in a Church dedicated to Mary right on her b'day. . Read More

The Nativity of Mother Mary (Sept. 8, 2011), the dear beloved Mother of Don Bosco, was the day Don Bosco chose to be at the Church of Christ the King, Ramanthapur. This day saw the solemn march and procession of Don Bosco's children, to Christ the King church with his sacred relics. At 10.30 am a colourful welcome amidst music in the form of band by the students of Navajeevan and floral welcome by the residents of the parish and other collaborators belonging to the centre, marked the occasion.. Read More

To the sound of the blaring of trumpets, beating of drums, flashing of cameras and the bursting of crackers Don Bosco's relics reached the City of Progress, Pragathi Nagar, Ramanthapur on 7th September, Wednesday. . Read More

He came to his own and his own recognised him. That's what everybody who watched the joyous reception given by the boys, the staff, the students and the Salesians of Don Bosco Navajeevan, Ramanthapur felt. It was very spontaneous and well orchestrated. The casket of Don Bosco was taken in procession from the main road to Navajeevan accompanied by the Navajeevan Band and the boys shouting slogans. . Read More

September 07, 2011 was a memorable day for the two thousand children, the college students, the staff, the Salesians, past pupils and the parents of Don Bosco, Motinagar. They gave a grand and homely welcome to their patron Saint. The sight of the young children waving the flags and shouting slogans welcoming Don Bosco was a sight to behold. Glowing tributes were paid to Don Bosco by the students, staff and past pupils of this 30 year old institute. . Read More