by Father Blany Pinto for BISMumbai

Don Bosco Apostolic and Aspirantate Facility at Lonavla is a place of vocational animation, mentoring, discernment, and accompaniment. Each year many young boys desirous of following Christ the Don Bosco way make an application to join and post-selection, have a lived experience in the company of the Salesians of Don Bosco. After their experience at Don Bosco Lonavla they proceed to Don Bosco Loutolim for their Pre-Novitiate. BISMumbai Interview Series with Mumbai Salesians' pre-novices continues with interview 09, featuring Ajay Mavi

Ajay, please could you share something about yourself, your family, your likes, hobbies, etc.?

I am from jhabua District in Madhya Pradesh. I enjoyed my childhood. My parents taught me how to care for and respect others. They always wanted me to be good. I studied in Don Bosco Jyoti Bhawan-Jhauba till class 10. I like to play football and basketball. My favourite hobby is music. I like to watch movie, especially south indian movies and my favourite hero is Allu Arjun.

Why Don Bosco Lonavla? What makes you want to go to the PNC?

I was inspired by the camp in Lonavla. The way Salesian fathers and brothers lived together. I chose Don Bosco because here I learnt many things and I was helped to become better. Don Bosco was the friend of youth. Also I can and want to inspire many youngsters.

Any dreams, aspirations for the future as a Salesian?

My dream is to work for poor people, just like DOn Bosco.

Any significant moments in Don Bosco Lonavla?

My favourite movements in Don Bosco Lonavla were the Marian month, prayer services, and outings.

Could you share any of Don Bosco's sayings that motivates you?

Don Bosco told his boys "enjoy yourself as much as you like - if only you keep from sin."

Would you like to share a message for your friends in Lonavla?

I would like to say to all my friends in Lonavla, "this is the place to discern your vocation. You can ask help from any Salesians whenever you want."