The Don Bosco College in Sultan Bathery brought together the survivors of the Mundakkai and Chooralmala landslides on Friday, December 20, to celebrate the 'Santa Eve 2K24' event. The event provided a sense of normalcy and comfort, reminding them they were not alone in their struggles.

On December 18, India marked International Migrants Workers Day with a series of transformative events across the nation, reflecting a collective resolve to uplift internal migrants who often face exploitation and invisibility. Spearheaded by Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) partners—including PARA, KISMAT, Suraksha Migrants Desk, DBMS, BOSCO INK, and Navsarjan—the celebrations highlighted the struggles and contributions of migrant workers while emphasizing the critical need for systemic change. Anchored by the Distressed International Young Migrant Workers Day manifesto, these initiatives called for policies ensuring minimum wages, decent working conditions, and social security. "Let us join and respect them as laborers with rights," urged the manifesto, underscoring the importance of advocacy, solidarity, and action to protect the dignity and rights of India's migrant workforce.

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.

In a significant move to address migration challenges, the Baroda Diocese organized a one-day consultation on migration at the Don Bosco Church Hall, Makarpura, Vadodara, on November 19. The event brought together priests, religious sisters, NGO representatives, trade union members, and well-wishers to strengthen collaboration and advocacy for the rights and welfare of migrant communities in Gujarat.

A meeting of priests, religious, and lay leaders of neighbouring areas in Bengtol Parish on October 19 resulted in a collaborative effort to support the region's growing migrant-worker population. The meeting, which featured a presentation by Fr. Francis Bosco SDB, National Director of Don Bosco Migrant Services of South Asia, highlighted the urgent need for comprehensive and effective support systems for these vulnerable individuals.

On October 11, Don Bosco Anbu Illam, Salem, in collaboration with the District Child Protection Unit of Salem, commemorated the International Day of the Girl Child under the global theme, "Girls' Vision for the Future."

The Salesian Social Forum (SSF), a group of like-minded Salesians, held a two-day National Convention at Don Bosco Provincial House, Hyderabad, on August 10-11. The event, titled "Contextualizing the Dream of Don Bosco: A South Asian Workshop by Salesians in India Today," brought together about 40 Salesians from various Indian provinces to explore ways to renew Don Bosco's vision for the poor.

The second day of the National Migrant Workshop, held in Mumbai on August 17, organized by the Don Bosco for Migrants (DB4M) network partners, saw a collaborative effort with the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) and other organizations. Together, they drew a comprehensive roadmap for enhancing migrant services, including shelter and basic needs, source and destination services, emergency helplines, data collection, networking and advocacy, workers' collectives, and social integration.

In the wake of the devastating cyclonic storm "Michaung" that pounded Chennai, the state capital of Tamil Nadu in South India, and left a trail of destruction across the state, the Salesian community emerged as a beacon of hope, resilience, and compassion amid the chaos. The cyclone, which struck with unprecedented force, disrupted the lives of thousands, submerging entire neighbourhoods and claiming the homes of countless families.

In the aftermath of Cyclone Michaung in Chennai and its surrounding areas, Don Bosco Arts and Science College, Kilpauk, Chennai, demonstrated unwavering solidarity with the communities most affected. On December 9, the students and the college administration embarked on a vital relief mission for those in need in the neighbourhoods of Vyasarpadi, MKB Nagar, TP Chattaram, and Chetpet.

Salesian Family member Sister Seli Thomas of Sisters of Mary Immaculate won the inaugural Sisters Anti-Trafficking Awards (SATA) 2023. The nun, Sister Seli, a member of Sisters of Mary Immaculate in Krishnagar, West Bengal, received the award at a function in London on October 31, along with two other nuns from Nigeria and Thailand.

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.

To bring awareness among students on the harsh realities of life and encourage them to do their small part to lessen social inequalities in the neighbourhood, the staff and students of Don Bosco Junior College, Yerwada, Pune, in association with the NGO Being Volunteer, took part in the Feed the Needy and Education for All Drive on July 22.