A Joyful Salesian Welcome

The celebration began in the courtyard, where children offered a vibrant and culturally rich welcome. Escorted by selected boys and accompanied by the confreres, the Rector Major was greeted with shawls, bouquets, greeting cards, tikka, and a traditional turban. The atmosphere was alive with singing, applause, and unmistakable joy—an expression of Indian hospitality blended with the affectionate spirit characteristic of the Salesian family.

Fr. Maria Arockiadoss, the Rector of the community, formally welcomed the Rector Major and presented a brief overview of the mission of Don Bosco Ashalayam. He described the centre as a place of transformation, echoing the Salesian conviction of “changing wolves into lambs.” Many children arrive emotionally wounded and socially vulnerable, often shaped by harsh street realities. At their core, however, they long for acceptance, affirmation, and affection. True to Don Bosco’s Preventive System, love remains the foundation of authentic education and lasting change.

Education: A Pathway to Life

Cultural performances by the boys of Ashalayam and the girls of Auxilium Snehalaya followed, expressing gratitude through music and dance. The presentations reflected the Salesian pedagogy that harmonizes education, culture, and joyful expression.

In his address, the Rector Major drew powerful lessons from the childhood of St. John Bosco. Recalling Don Bosco’s perseverance amid poverty and hardship, he reminded the children that education is not merely academic instruction but an essential pathway to life itself. “Education is empowerment,” he affirmed. “It shapes your character, your future, and your ability to become hope for others.”

He urged the boys to treasure the opportunities given to them at Ashalayam, embracing gratitude, discipline, and social responsibility. Formation received today, he said, must one day bear fruit in service to other underprivileged children. His message resonated deeply with both staff and students.

Visit to DB ARK

The Rector Major then proceeded to Don Bosco Animation and Research Kendra (DB ARK), also located in Palam. DB ARK functions as an animation, professional training, and research centre reaching youth, educators, and marginalized families. Recent initiatives include family-based youth ministry and outreach to slum communities, integrating education, motivation, and sustainable support programs (donboscoark.org).

Fr. Joe Arimpoor, Director of DB ARK, briefly presented its mission and achievements, proposing the possibility of establishing a structured research and development initiative at the national or congregational level to enhance innovation and impact.

Blessing and Departure

Before departing, Fr. Attard visited the Community Chapel, where he imparted the Blessing of Mary Help of Christians upon the confreres and the FMA Sisters. The visit of the Successor of Don Bosco remains a cherished moment for the Ashalayam family—an affirmation that in the midst of vulnerability and social fragility, education continues to be the most powerful instrument of transformation, just as Don Bosco believed.

Don Bosco Ashalayam, located at WZ‑1211, Old Najafgarh Road, Palam Gaon, New Delhi, is part of the Salesian Young at Risk (YaR) Network, serving vulnerable and marginalized children through residential care and street presence. Registered in Delhi since 20 July 1980, the centre forms part of the wider Don Bosco social service network dedicated to education, child protection, and youth development. Across India, Don Bosco Ashalayam centres have assisted over 155,000 children since their inception, offering residential care, education, rehabilitation, and mainstreaming into society (dbashalayam.org). The New Delhi centre shares in this broader mission of holistic empowerment.

{gallery}INDIA – RM ad Ashalayam 2026{/gallery}