by Sr. Reshma Rosario for BIS Mumbai

On February 23, 2025, the youth from three Salesian parishes of Ahmednagar - Don Bosco Savedi, St Anne’s, and St John’s Bhingar - came together at BGVK (Bosco Gramin Vikas Kendra) Kedgaon for the Ahmednagar Youth Fest. The theme of the event was "Youth: Hope for the New Dawn," and it was a tremendous success, igniting inspiration and empowerment among the young attendees to shape a promising future.

The day kicked off with registration, skillfully managed by Sr Reshma Rosario, Sr Nisha, and Sr Geeta, followed by a delightful breakfast. The inauguration, spearheaded by Fr Richard Burkhao, the Regional Youth Director, in collaboration with the enthusiastic youth from Don Bosco Savedi, set the tone for a day filled with music, introspection, and meaningful connections.

Fr Ajay D’ Monte and the spirited youth from St. Anne’s parish infused the crowd with energy through an engaging icebreaker activity, fostering joy and unity. To promote authentic human interaction, the organizers implemented a phone-free day, collecting electronic devices from all participants. The response was overwhelmingly positive, as the youth embraced the opportunity to disconnect from screens and truly engage with one another.

The initial session delved into the impact of media on young minds, urging participants to think critically about its influence. Mr Babu Chandanshive spearheaded a discussion on "The Digital World: Pros and Cons," shedding light on the following points:
• Pros – Instant access to information at the tap of a screen.
• Cons – Addiction to social media, overuse of platforms like Snapchat and Reels, negative influence from certain YouTubers, and exposure to harmful content.
Following this, a jamming session led by Fr Ajay and the St. Anne’s team intertwined music, prayer, and reflection, resulting in a profoundly moving experience.

A session on education and career development showcased the stories of three young achievers—Dr Pravin Gaikwad, Mr Nikhil Lemos, and Ms Ankita Shelke—who shared their experiences and practical advice, inspiring the youth to strive for excellence.

After a rejuvenating lunch, participants engaged in group activities guided by youth leaders Nurel, Jerin Thomas, Vivian, and Laveena. Each group produced short videos (reels) on stress-related topics such as social media, academics, friendship, faith, and family. The discussions were enlightening, and the reels were both imaginative and thought-provoking. Fr George D’Abreo then introduced the speakers with a brief overview.

The Ahmednagar Youth Fest concluded with a beautiful Eucharistic celebration, led by Fr Vishwas Pereira and concelebrated by all the priests present, strengthening faith and community spirit.

As the youth departed, they carried memories of joy, reflection, and connection. The event served as a powerful reminder that young people are the hope for a new dawn, filled with passion, energy, and the potential to create a better future.

The organizers express their heartfelt gratitude to God for His guidance and protection, to the participants, and to everyone who contributed to the success of the event. Special thanks are extended to Fr Vishwas Pereira, Fr Richard Burkhao (Regional Youth Director), Fr George D’Abreo, Fr Ajay D’ Monte, Sr Reshma Rosario, Fr. Clarence Martis, youth representatives from the three parishes and the BGVK community for their unwavering support and hospitality.