Stretching across Bangladesh, India, Nepal, Sri Lanka, Kuwait, and the United Arab Emirates, the South Asia Region is today the largest region of the Congregation in terms of confreres and houses. With 3,074 confreres and novices serving in 425 houses, it represents one of the most dynamic mission fields of the Salesian world.

A Region of Vitality and Growth

While the Congregation globally numbers 13,558 members, South Asia continues to grow. Between 2024 and 2025, the Region increased by 25 confreres, and the number of novices rose from 97 to 117 — a sign of vocational vitality.

The Region includes:

• 2,023 Salesian priests
• 116 Salesian brothers
• 818 scholastics
• 117 novices

India alone has 2,742 professed confreres, making it the country with the largest number of Salesians in the Congregation worldwide.

With 425 houses — 163 more than the second-largest region — South Asia serves an immense youth population across villages, cities, mission territories, and expanding urban peripheries.

Unity in Diversity, Passion in Mission

Particularly in India, often described as a land of “unity in diversity,” the Salesian presence mirrors this richness. Diverse cultures, rites, languages, and social realities converge in a shared missionary zeal.

“Our strength lies not only in numbers,” Fr. Biju Michael explains, “but in the passion with which our confreres serve. Across South Asia, there is a quiet, relentless hard work in remote villages, urban slums, schools, technical institutes, parishes, and youth centres — especially among the poor and the marginalised. This dedication is our real wealth.”

A Mission Rooted in Renewal

Guided by the orientations of General Chapter 29 and the Rector Major’s priorities, the Region has articulated a six-year plan focused on spiritual and missionary renewal.

Its priorities include renewing the centrality of Jesus Christ, revitalising fraternal life in community, strengthening service to the poorest young people, renewing formation processes, promoting joint formation with the laity and Salesian Family, and intensifying youth accompaniment — especially in the digital environment.

Mission Poverty Eradication: A Flagship Commitment

Among its major initiatives is Mission Poverty Eradication (MPE), a flagship program that seeks not only measurable outcomes but a sustained Salesian way of being and acting in response to poverty.

The initiative focuses on:

• Expanding outreach to the poorest
• Assessing impact against defined standards
• Documenting and showcasing credible results
• Inspiring enthusiasm, creativity, and missionary energy

“In our context,” Fr. Biju Michael notes, “poverty is a daily reality. Our response must be evangelical, professional, and sustainable. We want our works not only to serve, but to transform lives.”

A Future of Responsibility and Hope

The South Asia Region stands today as a vibrant expression of Don Bosco’s dream — large in numbers, rich in cultural diversity, strong in vocation, and deeply committed to the poorest.

In a region marked by demographic dynamism and social complexity, the Salesians continue to walk with young people — educating, evangelising, forming consciences, and building futures.

“Our call,” concludes Fr. Biju Michael, “is to remain united in Christ, passionate in mission, and tireless in service. When we live this spirit, Don Bosco’s dream not only continues — it grows and consolidates.”