Br Royston Colaco for BIS Mumbai

A group of Catholic young men from Class 12 and college levels from Mumbai, Vasai, Pune and Madhya Pradesh embarked on an eye-opening mission trip deep into Gujarat’s tribal heartlands. The "Exploring Mission Life" camp, held from October 26 to November 1, aimed to offer these youth a true Salesian experience by immersing them in the daily lives of the Rathwa tribe across Kawant, Chhotaudepur, and Narukot. Organized by the Salesian community of Don Bosco Kawant, the initiative was led by Province Vocation Animator Br Royston Colaco, with Cl Rohan D'Souza as his dedicated assistant.

The camp, guided by the motto "Search, Stay, Discern, and Do," invited participants to step out of their comfort zones and engage with a lifestyle deeply rooted in the earth. For two days, these young men lived in the villages of Kawra, Kochvad and Gungalia, experiencing firsthand the resilient simplicity of tribal life. “The Rathwa community opened our eyes to a different way of living,” reflected one participant. “Their resilience, generosity, and love for their heritage were inspiring.” From fetching water at dawn to preparing traditional meals and lending hands in the fields, they embraced the rhythms of rural life, forging a bond of mutual respect and understanding.

A memorable part of their journey was the day of outdoor adventure—a trek to the scenic Khandabari Dam, which provided both a physical challenge and an exhilarating communion with nature. The campers also engaged in field work and environmental cleanup within village surroundings, taking active roles in preserving the natural beauty of the area.

Educational sessions formed a core part of the camp. Deacon Agnel Dias held an impactful workshop on “Mission & a 10-Point Mission Outlook,” encouraging the participants to find purpose and direction in their lives. In another session, Fr. Mayank Parmar provided insights into the Social Work initiatives carried out by DISHA Development Centre, helping participants understand the outreach efforts for local empowerment and development.

The camp extended beyond Kawant as they visited neighboring communities in Narukot, Chhotaudepur, Alirajpur, Makarpura-Vadodara, and Snehalaya: the Child Care Institue run by the Salesians at Vishwamitri, enriching their understanding of the region’s diversity. The campers organized games and activities for local children, bringing joy and laughter into the community.

As the week came to a close, these young men returned with a deepened sense of purpose, moved by the warmth of the Rathwa people and enriched by their Salesian mission experience. The camp, bridging cultural and spiritual divides, offered them a unique opportunity to reflect on the value of service, solidarity, and understanding across cultures.