The Multi-Talent Contest of SYMFEST 2024 took place on the evening of 29th December, featuring an exciting array of artistic and creative performances showcasing the participants' diverse talents. It brought together young artists from various disciplines to celebrate their creativity, teamwork, and passion. It provided an opportunity to foster a sense of companionship and shared experience. The events included the Theme Song, Dance Performance, Rangoli Drawing, Creative Art, Canvas Painting, and Tableau Presentation.

Tirupattur, the Sandal City of Tamil Nadu, is set to witness an extraordinary convergence of youthful energy and purpose as SYMFEST 2024-25 begins tomorrow at the historic Sacred Heart College. Hosted by the Salesian Province of Chennai, this landmark event celebrates the 200th anniversary of Don Bosco’s Dream at Nine. It brings together over 1,500 young participants from India, Sri Lanka, Nepal, and Bangladesh under the theme “Anchored in Hope: Young People as Agents of Change.”

Deacons Royal Fernandes, Joswin D'Souza, Sheldon Fernandes, Infancio Pires, and Savio Dias were ordained as Salesian priests for the Province of Panjim.

On December 17, the Catholic Church and the Salesian Congregation marked a historic moment as Father Wangbo George Wangsu, the first Salesian priest from Arunachal Pradesh, was ordained at St. Joseph Parish Mintong, by Rev. Bishop George Palliparambil, SDB, DD, the Bishop of Miao Diocese. Father Wangbo George Wangsu, belonging to the Wancho Tribe, is a testimony to the enduring missionary efforts in the region. Father Wangsu was ordained in the presence of Auxiliary Bishop Denis Panipitchai SDB and a host of Salesians, clergy, religious sisters, and faithful from across the region. Father George Wangsu is the eldest of seven siblings of Mr. Banwang and Mrs Banchoi Wangsu.

After spending a year in Siliguri, 20 Missionary Sisters of Mary Help of Christians (MSMHC) postulants will join the Novitiate on December 10. They will enter the religious formation house, the Novitiate, in Guwahati and Tinsukia in Assam, along with 40 other postulants from Bangalore and Bongaigaon, Assam.

A friendly football tournament between the Prison Staff Team and the DB Prison Students Team on the 4th and 5th of December had the Prison Staff Team emerge victorious with a 2-0 score. Notable figures, including the Deputy Inspector General of Prisons, Mr. Nabin Kumar Saha, and the Berhampore Central Correctional Home Superintendent, Mr. Dipak Sakri, attended the tournament. Mr. Saha, Mr. Sakri, and Father Francis distributed trophies. The event, sponsored by Don Bosco Panchanantala and supported by other donors, showcased the transformative power of recreation and teamwork in fostering hope and rehabilitation.

Step Battle Dance—Season 1, a dance competition organized by the Don Bosco Media Network Shillong in collaboration with the Don Bosco Youth Center (DBYC), Laitumkhrah, reached its grand finale on December 3. The competition featured three solo dances and three group dances.

A student delegate from Don Bosco School Park Circus, Kolkata, who attended COP29 held in Baku, Azerbaijan, was declared a Climate Ambassador by the United Nations Agency for Development and Peace (UNADAP).

Setting a new benchmark, the 2nd Don Bosco Football Tournament for Under-19 Boys, organized by St. Xavier's Higher Secondary Pathaliaghat, concluded on a high note on 8th November. The two-week-long event gathered young football enthusiasts from across Tripura, drawing 57 teams to compete in the prestigious knockout tournament at the Don Bosco Mini Stadium in Pathaliaghat. The tournament underscored the institution's commitment to youth empowerment and sportsmanship. The game kicked off on 20th October by Chief Guest Father K.K. Joseph, SDB.

The annual gathering of young people from various oratory centers, parishes, and church units in Nagaland and Assam took place on November 3 at Salesian College, Dimapur, on the theme ‘Eucharist the way to Heaven,’ based on the Cyber Apostle, Bl. Carlo Acutis. Organized to deepen faith, strengthen community ties, and celebrate cultural heritage, the event drew approximately 500 participants. Brothers from the Salesian College community engaged these young individuals for a day of spiritual renewal, personal growth, and joyous celebration.

Don Bosco Higher Secondary School (DBHSS) Dimapur came alive from 24th to 26th October, as students from across Nagaland gathered for the All Don Bosco Schools Nagaland Meet 2024. The three-day event, centered around the theme of Students for Change, showcased a dynamic blend of athletic prowess, cultural heritage, and academic excellence.

The Association of Salesian Cooperators of Tiruchy Province (INT) has launched an initiative at Amalan Academy, Thanjavur, to prepare underprivileged youth for government examinations and career opportunities. This marks a significant milestone, as it is one of the first such initiatives managed autonomously by Salesian Cooperators in the southern provinces of India.

To inspire young minds about the importance of water conservation and educate them on sustainable practices for efficient water use, the Salesian Province of Tiruchy (INT), through Cauveri, the Province's Planning and Development Office, organized an Exposure Visit and Talent Expo for the Water Conservation Club members on October 15 at Don Bosco Thanjavur and Sengipatti Agri-farm.

The ANMA Integrated Development Association (AIDA) - Don Bosco Job Placement Network, Dimapur, in collaboration with the Ministry of Labour and Employment's National Career Service Centre for Differently Abled, ST/SC Employment Exchange, Kohima, and the Model Career Centre, Dimapur, organized a job fair at the AIDA Don Bosco Campus. The event was a resounding success, attracting nearly 400 job seekers and six recruiting partners with over 600 vacancies.