by Fr Sunil Pinto for BISMumbai

The YaR Commission of the Salesian Province of Bombay (INB) convened for its first meeting of the new academic year at Shelter Don Bosco in the presence of Fr. Joe Prabhu, Executive Director of Don Bosco YaR Forum, New Delhi.

The meeting commenced with a moment of prayer led by Fr. Sunil Pinto, followed by a warm welcome of all the members extended by Fr. Roshan Gonsalves, the YaR Coordinator of INB. A special welcome was also accorded to Ms. Linciya Rumao, recently appointed as the DIGI LINK Hub Coordinator, who joins the Commission in its mission for the marginalized.

In his address, Fr. Joe Prabhu shared deep insights from the National YaR landscape, focusing on Salesian identity, Preferential Outreach to the poorest youth, and a renewed call to animate communities considering emerging challenges such as migration, substance abuse, economic disparity, and social exclusion. Drawing inspiration from Don Bosco’s own ministry among the vulnerable, he emphasized the need for data-informed decision-making, structural collaboration, and a sustained rights-based approach to youth empowerment. The session culminated in an open-floor discussion, where participants raised critical reflections; including a key concern on the tangible outcomes of data collected from the field.

The meeting concluded with the presentation of the Annual Report of the YaR Sector of the Province of Bombay of the past year to Fr. Joe, acknowledging the shared vision and tireless efforts for the Young at Risk across our Salesian institutions.