Father George Quadros, Salesian of the Province of Panjim, was honoured with a Memento of Appreciation on World Elders Day in recognition of his sincere and dedicated service to the people of Goa in agriculture on October 1. The Government of Goa, Directorate of Social Welfare, in collaboration with All Goa Senior Citizen Federation and Ravindra Bhavan, Margao, through the Honourable Minister for Social Welfare, Government of Goa, Shri Subhash Phal Dessai and MLA Margao Constituency, Shri Digambar Kamat, honoured Father George Quadros.

Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk organized a transformative two-day seminar on 20 and 21 September at the Don Bosco Youth Animation Centre (DBYAC) Ennore, Chennai, for over 90 enthusiastic participants from the eleven Provinces of India. The theme, "Enhancing Mental Well-being of Young at Risk,"ignited a powerful dialogue on nurturing the mental health of youth. The psychological services of Chennai Province Niraivagam facilitated the seminar.

Don Bosco Tech Society, the network of all Don Bosco TVET centres in India, was honoured with the prestigious Mahatma Award 2023 for Social Good and Impact. Don Bosco Tech Society's remarkable achievement stands out among the 107 recipients carefully selected from 2100 applicants across diverse categories. The award ceremony, held at the Indian International Center in New Delhi on September 30, was a prestigious event graced by eminent personalities from various sectors. The Executive Director Father George Mathew and the Rector of the SPCI House Father Joseph Manipadath, along with members of the national team, received the award on behalf of the Don Bosco Tech Society.

Don Bosco Tech Society and RHI Magnesita India have launched the Youth Empowerment Programme to provide vocational skills to young individuals who are not engaged in education, employment, or training (NEET) and belong to disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme will also focus on empowering women in various professions, breaking down traditional barriers and providing them with equal opportunities.

In a historic collaboration, the West Bengal Correctional Administration, Don Bosco Prison Ministry, Don Bosco Tech Society, and Schneider Electric Foundation have initiated a ground-breaking program at the Dum Dum Correctional Home. This transformative partnership recognizes the potential of skill training to empower inmates and enable them to envision a brighter future through gainful employment.

In a powerful demonstration of unity and unwavering dedication to safeguarding the Rights of Children, Dimapur, Nagaland, witnessed an inspiring walkathon organized by AIDA for a Child-Friendly Dimapur on September 23. The event was designed to raise awareness about the fundamental rights of children, foster community solidarity, and champion the cause of a pristine and secure environment for the younger generation.

On September 17, from various Don Bosco Industrial Training Institutes (ITI), 1665 students graduated, thus empowering India's youth in vocational education and skill development. The event coincided with the Vishwakarma Yojana, a national initiative to support traditional craftsmen and local artisans, aligning with Don Bosco ITIs' commitment to producing job-ready graduates. The graduation ceremony was a testament to the dedication and hard work of the students who completed their training in various technical and vocational fields.

As a special delegate invitee, Don Bosco Tech Society, an organization dedicated to skill training for disadvantaged youth, participated at the 14th Global Skills Summit 2023, held under the theme "Building Skills. Empowering Youth. Creating Future." The Summit was hosted at FICCI, Federation House, New Delhi, on September 20-21, 2023.

In a splendid display of cultural preservation and celebration, Salesian College of Higher Education, Dimapur, Nagaland, hosted a captivating folklore competition on September 16. The event with the theme "Preserving Naga Heritage: Tales of Tradition and Culture" witnessed a gathering of staff, students, and distinguished guests to honour and uphold the rich legacy of the Naga community.

In a captivating celebration of nature's wonders, St Dominic Savio High School, Andheri, proudly unveiled Bosco’s Papillon Haven, a sanctuary dedicated to butterflies, on September 15. The lush haven was inaugurated by Fr Savio Silveria, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bombay, during his annual visit.

To equip students with the skills and knowledge essential for success in the modern job market, Don Bosco Arts and Science College and SIGA Polytechnic College, Chennai, launched the IBM Skills Build Programme on September 15. The programme was hosted for the third consecutive year.

In a stride toward fostering career progression and honing essential soft skills, the Institution for Culture and Rural Development (I-CARD) in Jorhat, Assam, embarked on its annual Training Program for Educated Unemployed Youth. The inauguration took place on September 12 with distinguished guests Fr. K.A Thomas, Director of I-CARD, Dr. Salim Ahmed, Professor of J.B. College, Jorhat, and Mr Uma Pathari (Executive Member) and Mr. Tralukya Pame:gam, the representatives from the Mising Autonomous Council, Government of Assam.

In a heart-warming display of solidarity and empathy, students from Don Bosco Arts and Science College, the National Service Scheme (NSS) and various academic departments came together on September 10 to participate in a 3 Km walkathon to raise awareness and prevent suicide in the picturesque Besant Nagar, Chennai. Seventy-five students with the banner "Creating Hope Through Action" participated in the awareness programme.

In a significant initiative aimed at curbing drug addiction and preventing school dropouts among the youth, Rajanagar Parish of Arunachal Pradesh organized a one-day awareness programme on September 10. Sr. Jacinta Topno, FMA, the resource person, shared valuable insights on combating these pressing issues with 231 young persons.