Welcoming the gathering, newly appointed DBRC Director Fr Peter Gonsalves emphasized the transformative power of research. “Research is the foundation of informed decision-making, innovation, and social progress,” he said. “Without it, policies risk being shaped by assumptions or stereotypes. Honest research provides concrete evidence that enhances the effectiveness and sustainability of our projects.”

Fr Gonsalves paid tribute to the pioneering work of his predecessors, particularly Fr Barnabe D’Souza, who since 1998 led extensive research on children at risk, producing training materials for educators and publishing with leading academic houses such as SAGE. He noted that such research plays a crucial role in identifying and addressing factors like poverty, abuse, and displacement.

Highlighting DBRC’s broad research spectrum, Fr. Gonsalves acknowledged the contributions of Fr. Ajoy and his team in educational psychology since 2015. Their work, focusing on the socio-economic conditions of migrant construction workers’ children, has helped shape more inclusive educational practices. He also underscored the value of Salesian history research, led by Fr. Valerian, as a living source of inspiration for the mission, quoting Martin Luther King Jr.: “We are not makers of history. We are made by history.”

The new website, integrated under the Province domain sdbinb.in, aims to unify the Salesian identity and make DBRC’s work more accessible. Fr. Gonsalves also expressed gratitude to Fr. Cleophas Braganza for maintaining the earlier website and to Fr. Silveira for entrusting him with the leadership.

Launching the site, Fr Silveira reflected on the Salesian role in education. “We are often seen as administrators of schools, but not as educationists who create new pathways. DBRC’s focus on reflection and research moves us towards that vision,” he said, commending the expansion of the research team to four specialists.

With the ceremonial “magic button” pressed, the new DBRC website went live—a digital gateway dedicated to fostering dignity, advancing education, and protecting the most vulnerable.