The meeting, held under the theme “Ratio Focus: Renewing Our Educational Vision,” brought together province leaders to study the newly promulgated Ratio and reflect on its implications for Salesian life and mission. The gathering began with a prayer led by Fr Kishor, the Vice Provincial, who also highlighted the meeting's significance and outlined the day's proceedings. Fr Santiagu Thomas, the Provincial, welcomed the leaders and urged them to become animators of their communities, stressing that formation should be understood as a lifelong journey closely linked to vocation and mission.

Fr Gaddam Carlo introduced the Ratio dissemination and training programme, explaining that the Fifth Edition is intended not merely as a formation document but as a practical reference for Salesian life.

Fr Donthireddy Raja, who led several sessions, presented formation as a lifelong process of becoming more like Christ, the Good Shepherd. He emphasised that formation takes place not only through formal programmes but also through relationships, pastoral accompaniment, community life and direct contact with young people, particularly those who are poor and marginalised.

The leaders also discussed the need for a shift from a predominantly top-down style of leadership towards greater listening, dialogue, discernment and participatory decision-making. The Rector was identified as the formator of the local community, with responsibility for fostering trust and confidence among confreres.

Discussions on the human dimension of formation highlighted psychological maturity, healthy relationships, communication, transparency and responsible use of digital technology. The participants also called for formation to engage more consciously with ecological concerns, social realities and insights from the human sciences.

The meeting further stressed that formation should respond to local contexts rather than focus exclusively on structures, programmes and procedures. Participants called for an approach that equips Salesians to understand contemporary social realities and respond pastorally to the needs of the people they serve.

A significant part of the discussion centred on translating the Ratio into concrete action. Leaders noted that the reflections should not remain at the level of discussion and called for specific priorities, responsibilities and follow-up mechanisms at both provincial and community levels.

The two-day meeting concluded with an emphasis on strengthening community life, formation and mission while translating the renewed vision of the Ratio into concrete pastoral and institutional action.