By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

 The newly constructed Residence and Administrative Office of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS), Walvanda, was blessed by Fr Ashley Miranda, the Provincial of the Salesian Province of Bombay (INB), and inaugurated by the chief guest, Fr Anaclete D'Mello, Pioneer and First Rector of BSVS, together with the guest of honour, Fr Edwin D'Souza, Province Procurator, on July 10, 2026. The celebration was attended by members of the Provincial Council, former Provincials, former Economers, Salesian priests & Brothers, architect, contractors, staff, collaborators, benefactors, well-wishers, and representatives of the local tribal community.

 The inauguration was held on July 10, 2026, keeping alive the memory of the Foundation Day of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha, which was established on July 9, 2010, marking sixteen years of dedicated service to the tribal communities

 The celebration began with a vibrant Tarpa Dance performed by SEEP school children, offering a traditional Warli welcome to the distinguished guests. Following this, Fr Ashley Miranda blessed the new building and unveiled the commemorative plaque. Fr Anaclete D'Mello and Fr Edwin D'Souza formally inaugurated the Residence and Administrative Office by cutting the ribbon. The gathering then proceeded to the main hall, where the dignitaries received a traditional welcome with aarti and tilak before the formal programme commenced.

 The inaugural function opened with the lighting of the ceremonial lamp and a prayer service led by Fr Francis Fernandes, Administrator of BSVS. The programme was compered by Mr Pravin Zole and Ms Alka Patra, who warmly welcomed the gathering and felicitated all the dignitaries. Mr Chandrakant Gangurde, one of the senior staff members, presented a brief history of BSVS, recalling its humble beginnings sixteen years ago and its steady growth into a vibrant institution serving the tribal communities of Jawhar and Mokhada. The celebration was enriched by a meaningful cultural dance presented by the Oratory children.

In his welcome address, Fr Jesu Robinson, Rector and Director of BSVS, described the new building as "a symbol of hope and service." Thanking God and all those who supported the mission, in a special way he thanked Fr Savio Silveira, former Provincial and Fr Gregory D’Almeida, former Economer, for their constant support and guidance. He recalled how the institution has grown from a humble beginning into a vibrant centre serving tribal children, youth, women, and families through education, skill development, livelihood promotion, and community development. "The seed planted sixteen years ago has today grown into a fruitful tree," he remarked.

Addressing the gathering, Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial, said that the true strength of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha lies not in its infrastructure but in its commitment to transforming lives. He noted that the new Residence and Administrative Office would strengthen the institution's mission and encouraged the Salesian community to continue serving the poor and marginalized with the spirit of Don Bosco.

Fr Robert Pen, Vice Provincial, reflected on Don Bosco's mission of educating and empowering the young, especially the poor. He encouraged everyone to make the new Residence and Administrative Office a centre of hope, service, and transformation for the tribal communities.

Recalling the early days of the mission, Fr Anaclete D'Mello, Pioneer and First Rector of BSVS, shared the story of the institution's humble beginnings and the many challenges encountered in establishing the mission. He acknowledged the generosity, trust, and support of the local tribal community and expressed his joy in witnessing the remarkable growth of the institution. He described the new building as a significant milestone in the continuing mission of serving the people of Jawhar and Mokhada.

During the programme, special appreciation was expressed for all the Salesians who had served the BSVS mission over the years. Gratitude was also extended to the benefactors, donors, Provincial leadership, architect, contractors, staff members, collaborators, and well-wishers whose generous support and dedicated efforts made the construction of the new Residence and Administrative Office possible.

The dignitaries commended Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha for its remarkable contribution over the past sixteen years in promoting quality education, technical and vocational training, youth leadership, women's empowerment, sustainable agriculture, livelihood generation, and holistic community development among the tribal communities of Jawhar and Mokhada. They expressed confidence that the new facility would further strengthen these initiatives and enable the institution to reach even more people with greater effectiveness.

The vote of thanks was proposed by Fr Monty Rodrigues, Principal of the Don Bosco Technical Institute, who acknowledged the contributions of everyone involved in making the celebration a memorable occasion.

Following lunch, the Provincial and his Council held their Council meeting in the newly inaugurated conference room. It was a special blessing and a memorable moment for the BSVS community.

The inauguration of the new Residence and Administrative Office marks another significant milestone in the journey of Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha. More than a new building, it stands as a renewed commitment to the Salesian mission of bringing hope, dignity, and opportunities to the young and the poor through education, skill development, sustainable livelihoods, women's empowerment, and integrated social development among the tribal communities of Jawhar and Mokhada.