By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

The Social Ministry Delegates’ Meet for Maharashtra was held on July 31, 2025 at the Don Bosco Provincial House, Matunga. The gathering brought together delegates from various Don Bosco institutions across the state, aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing experiences, and aligning on key developmental priorities and strategies.

 The event commenced with a warm welcome address by Fr George Miranda, Executive Director of Don Bosco Development Society (DBDS), who emphasized the enduring legacy and passion of Don Bosco in advancing social ministry across the region.

 A short prayer followed, invoking divine blessings for the day's proceedings. Fr Savio Silveira, Provincial of the Salesian Province of Mumbai, then addressed the delegates and lay collaborators. In his inspiring message, he highlighted the core Salesian philosophy—working for the most vulnerable, those who look to us with hope. He urged the participants to treat every beneficiary with dignity and ensure they remain the central focus of all interventions.

 Fr Gregory Almeida, Salesian Economer and Director of DBDS, shared his insights during a powerful experience-sharing session. He underscored the evolving expectations of donors who now seek robust systems—ones that are efficient, transparent, participatory, and capable of demonstrating impact. He stressed that only by building donor confidence through credible practices can sustainable partnerships be forged.

 The meet featured two distinguished resource persons: Mr Mahesh Kumar and Fr Tony Pelissery. Mr Kumar delivered two informative presentations—the first on the Social Stock Exchange and the second on Poverty and Sustainable Livelihoods. Fr Pelissery provided an update on the ongoing Poverty Eradication Project and articulated the expectations from the province in the upcoming phases. All sessions witnessed active engagement from the delegates, who contributed valuable field experiences and insights, enriching the discussions.

 In his concluding remarks, Fr Miranda emphasized the need for a streamlined and systematic flow of beneficiary data from local houses to the Development Office. He pointed out that accurate and timely data are essential for effective planning, transparent reporting, and maintaining donor trust. He also expressed gratitude to Fr Vinod Mascarenhas (Rector, DB Provincial House) and his team for their generous support in hosting the event.

 The program concluded with a heartfelt Vote of Thanks delivered by Mr Nagsen Chavan (Coordinator-AXA Project), acknowledging the contributions of all speakers, participants, and organizers.