On 13 April seven licensed women drivers drove into the future in their own e-autos in the 7th phase of the WE Auto (Women empowerment through Electric Autos) initiative in Kollam, Kerala; joining the other trailblazers, totalling to 34 women from the local fishing community. They are literally driving change into their own lives and the lives of their communities, with the support of BREADS and its Don Bosco partner Fishermen Community Development Programme (FCDP).  

As mercury soared to 42 degrees celsius, students of Hospitality and Assistant Beauty Therapist courses of Don Bosco Nitika centre Kolkata along with students of DBSERVE Tuition Centre celebrated EARTH DAY on 22nd April, giving chilled lemonade to passersby and raising awareness on environmental protection. 

A two-day Teacher’s Training for all Don Bosco School Teachers of Pitra, Herma, Mandwi, Bishramganj, Naba Sardar and Pathaliaghat was held on 15 and 16 April at St. Xavier’s Higher Secondary School, Pathaliaghat. Father P.D. Johny SDB, the Secretary of SPCSA and AIDBES, New Delhi, was the resource person.

Salesian College (Autonomous) Siliguri, India, received a certificate of recognition for conducting Model United Nations from United Nations Association for Development and Peace (UNADAP), on 15th April 2024.

The 13th All Kerala Don Bosco Youth Meet was successfully organized by Don Bosco Youth Services Kerala at Don Bosco College Kottiyam from April 12th to 14th. The event saw the participation of 260 youth and 20 animators from 18 different centers of Don Bosco. The theme of the youth meet was "The dream that makes you dream." The Meet provided the youngsters an opportunity to reflect on their dreams, engage in social outreach activities, and strengthen their spiritual foundation.

The Commission for Bible under the Conference of the Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) presented the Creative Ministry Award to the mobile application ‘BibleOn,’ formerly known as The Holy Bible in Tongues, in a function held at NBCLC, Bangalore, on April 12. The award was presented to Fr. Madathiparambil Jose Thomas SDB, Salesian of the Province of Dimapur, and Mr. Thomson Philip, CEO of Eloit Innovations, by Rev. Dr. Antonysamy Peter Abir, Bishop of Sultanpet and Chairman of CCBI Commission for Bible.

Alumnus of Salesian Institute of Graphic Arts Chennai, Dr. Dominic F Dixon, handed over a copy of his latest book “Spirit of Excellence” to Dr C.J. Mathew, the Vice Rector of Salesian study house of Philosophy at Sonada, Darjeeling on 14th April. Result of a two-month sabbatical, author of the book Dr. Dominic F Dixon is Executive Director of United Nations Association for Development And Peace (UNADAP) and International Diplomatic Alliance (IDA).

A group of volunteers, led by Salesian College Sonada alumnus Fr Jose Chunkapura, organized a free medical camp for 3,000 rickets affected children at the Center for Caring for Disabled Children on 3rd March.

BREADS (Bangalore Rural Education And Development Society) and Kerala State Commission for the Protection of Child Rights (KSCPCR) jointly organised a State-level Stakeholders’ Workshop on February 29 in Thiruvananthapuram to discuss the status of substance use among the youth in Kerala and the measures needed to address the issue. The Workshop facilitated the active participation of 178 stakeholders from government departments and NGOs.

In the heart of Guwahati, amidst the tranquil beauty of the Brahmaputra river, a beacon of hope shone brightly on a crisp March morning. Organised with meticulous care and dedication, a one-day seminar on mental well-being with the theme “Healthy Minds, Healthy Lives” unfolded at the esteemed Don Bosco Institute, Kharguli, Guwahati. The event drew a diverse crowd, including priests, religious, teachers, university students, youth leaders, staff, and lay leaders from various parishes and Salesian centres. Led by Fr. Marcus, the Youth Commission delegate of the Province of Guwahati, the event commenced with an aura of warmth and reverence as distinguished guests and esteemed resource persons were welcomed with traditional ‘phoolan gamochas’ and bouquets.

The new Don Bosco Secondary School building under the care of Sonapahar Parish in Nongkyndang village, Shillong, was blessed on February 25, by Father Paul O Lyngkot, the Provincial of Shillong Province, with Father James Thyrniang, the Economer of the Province, Father Sebastian Tirkey, the Parish Priest and numerous priests, religious, youth, parents and students.

In a heartening display of empathy and collaboration, the Rilang Children`s Home welcomed the members of the Salesian Youth Movement (SYM), marking a day filled with compassion and camaraderie on February 23.

On the occasion of "National Girl Child Day," the Sepahijala District administration, Tripura, along with the District Education Office, felicitated St. Xavier's School Band Team during a grand function held at the multi-purpose hall, Bishramganj, on February 17. The school band team consisted of 25 girls and were felicitated by the administration for winning the Third Prize at the National Level School Band Competition held in Delhi on January 22 and bringing laurels to the state of Tripura. It was a great honour for the students for their dedication and hard work.