By BIS Correspondent for BIS Mumbai

Walvanda, October 20–21, 2026: Bosco Samajik Vikas Sanstha (BSVS) and Don Bosco Technical Institute (DBTI), Walvanda, welcomed Fr Ashley Miranda, Provincial of the Mumbai Province, and Fr Robert Pen, Vice-Provincial, during the Canonical Provincial Visitation for 2026–27. The two-day visit highlighted the impact of education, Technical education, skill development, women’s empowerment and self-employment initiatives among rural and tribal communities.

The welcome began with a traditional Warli Tarpa dance by the Oratory Children and shawls and floral bouquets by the staff. A welcome song and cultural performances reflected the rich tribal heritage of the region. Mr Chandrakant Gangurde presented a report showing the overview of BSVS initiatives, including women’s and youth empowerment, SEEP classes, oratory classes, SOE classes, natural farming, tailoring training, technical and other social welfare programmes. Staff members of the IMF project presented the action song “We Shall Become One” (Aamhī Ek Hoū), conveying a message of unity and social transformation.

Fr Jesu Robinson, Director and Rector of BSVS, appreciated the staff for their dedication and encouraged them to strengthen project implementation through proper planning, discipline, coordination and a spirit of service. Fr Ashley Miranda urged the staff to understand the struggles of the poor and marginalised and work with sensitivity, integrity and social commitment. Fr Robert Pen stressed the importance of truth, education, responsibility and continuous learning for the holistic development of individuals and communities.

On October 21, the Provincial and Vice-Provincial visited Don Bosco Technical Institute. Mr Bhushan Patare presented the institute’s journey, training achievements, skill-development initiatives and employment opportunities. The technical staff staged a short play highlighting challenges faced by youth. Fr Miranda encouraged the trainees to pursue their academic and professional goals with determination. The visit concluded with the planting of a sapling, symbolising care for the environment.

The field visits offered a glimpse into the practical impact of BSVS programmes. At Ramkhind, the dignitaries visited a chicken centre supported under the Sanmaan scheme and interacted with its proprietor, Mrs Kalpana Ganpat Mohandkar. They also visited the cutlery shop run by Mrs Nirmala Vasant Kirkire, appreciating the women’s efforts towards self-employment and financial independence.

At Zilla Parishad Central School, Dhanoshi, the team met Headmaster Mr Desai and discussed educational initiatives. A sapodilla (Chikoo) sapling was also planted on the school premises. The women welcomed the visitors in traditional Tarpa style, while students of the SEEP class demonstrated science experiments. Their confidence and creativity were appreciated.

The Women Farmers’ Producer Group proudly presented food products prepared from nagli (finger millet), also home-made items of the tribals. Encouraging their entrepreneurial efforts, the provincial  purchased the products, offering a practical gesture of support for local women’s livelihoods.

The visitation also included a review of ongoing projects and documentation. Ms Manisha Khurkute presented the activities conducted under the Jal Jeevan Mission, under the Season of Creation Program. Project registers, official records and activity reports were examined to assess planning, documentation and implementation.

A social work review meeting brought together the Provincial, Vice-Provincial, Fr Jesu Robinson, Fr Francis Fernandes, Administrator, Fr Monty Rodrigues, Principal of DBTI, Headmaster Mr Desai, staff members, teachers and beneficiaries.

Kumari Yamini Vatas, a fourth-standard student of the SEEP class, shared her learning journey in English, demonstrating the improvement in her academic confidence and communication skills.

Beneficiaries and staff also shared their experiences: Mr Vilas Jangali from the Jawhar Youth Empowerment Project; Ms Rasika Vatas and Mr Hiraman Hadunga from the Mokhada Project; Ms Vanita Thakare and Ms Saraswati Garel from the IMF Project; and SEEP teachers Ms Harshala Bhoye and Mr Amol More. Their testimonies highlighted how education, vocational skills, women’s empowerment, self-employment and community participation are bringing positive changes to rural families.

Drawing inspiration from Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar, Fr Robert Pen reiterated the message, “Educate, Organize, and Agitate,” emphasising education as a powerful means of transforming individuals, families and villages. Fr Ashley Miranda stressed the need for quality education, cooperation, unity and social commitment. He appreciated the various initiatives of BSVS and encouraged staff, students and beneficiaries to work together for the development of society. The programme concluded with a meal.

The two-day visitation was an opportunity to review achievements, learn from beneficiaries and strengthen future plans. From classrooms and technical training workshops to small rural enterprises and women-led food businesses, the visit demonstrated how local initiatives can create opportunities and build self-reliance.