Don Bosco India

``Lord, I seek Your face`` - Annual Retreat at Hyderabad

The third retreat of the academic year of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad was scheduled and held in the second week of January 2012 (9th to 14th) at the Provincial house, Hyderabad. For the 28 participants this was a beautiful opportunity to take stock of the past and plan for the spiritual journey ahead. The retreat was preached by Fr Joe Prabu, currently the Joint-Secretary of the YaR Forum and member of the SPCSA national body.

SJRS, Kondadaba annual debate focuses on ``Lokpal Bill - Solution to Corruption in India?``

The annual debate at St John`s Regional Seminary, Kondadaba (the Philosophate of the Andhra Pradesh Bishop`s Conference) was held on December 14, 2011. The theme was `Lokpal bill is the solution to Corruption in India`. Somehow, as in the last four years, the team `against the motion` won the debate with just 10 points more than their worthy opponents (the total being 277). Fr Joseph Anithottam the Parish Priest of Kondadaba, moderated the debate. Srs Prasanna and Abilasha, Fr C. Thomas, the present spiritual director and Fr Devadas, our former spiritual director were the evaluators for the debate. Fr Wilson, the Principal, was the facilitator.

Fr Thathireddy Vijaya Bhaskar - Vice Provincial of Hyderabad successfully defends doctoral thesis in UPS, Rome

Fr. Thathireddy Vijaya Bhaskar Reddy, Vice Provincial of the Salesian Province of Hyderabad, successfully defended his doctoral thesis: ``A PHILOSOPHY OF COMMUNICATION IN THE THOUGHT OF LUDWIG WITTGENSTEIN,`` at Universit� Pontificia Salesiana (UPS) on December 13, 2011. He has analysed two principal works: Tractatus Logico-Philosophicus and Philosophical Investigations to derive a philosophy of communication.

2nd Andhra Pradesh Don Bosco GK Quiz Contest.

The Second All A.P. Don Bosco General Knowledge Quiz contest was held at Don Bosco Schoo, Guntupalli, Vijayawada, on December 05, 2011.

New Salesian Residence at Peddaboddepalli, Andhra Pradesh

The Salesian and boys` residence at Don Bosco Mission, Peddaboddepalli (Narsipatnam) was blessed and inaugurated in the presence of Most Rev. Karnam Joji Babu (Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Visakhapatnam), Fr Raminedi Balaraju (Provincial), members of the Salesian Family and nearly 400 guests on December 3, 2011. The celebrations commenced with the blessing of the new building, followed by the Holy Mass, and concluded with a colourful cultural programme and meal for the special invitees. The elaborate and intense preparations by Fr Madanu Rayappa and the confreres of the place were appreciated by all.

St John`s Regional Seminary Kondadaba celebrates Annual Day

The Andhra Pradesh Bishop`s Conference`s Regional Seminary, St John`s at Kondadaba (35 kms from the port city of Visakhapatnam) celebrated its 24th annual Seminary Day on November 22, 2011. The chief guest of the day was Most Rev. A. Innaiah (Bishop of Srikakulam). The highlights of the day were the Holy Mass in the morning, the 3-act English play on the Kingdom of God in the evening, the presence of many well wishers and friends of the Seminary and the planting of the commemorative Jubilee plant on the occasion of the commencement of the Jubilee year of the Seminary.

ROUSING WELCOME TO THE YOUNG ADVOCATES OF ``NINE IS MINE`` CAMPAIGN AT RANCHI

The Rail Yatris of the Nine Is Mine Campaign with 9 Children traveling along the East Coast was given a rousing welcome at Ranchi, the capital of Jharkhand. The children with their adult guides arrived from Calcutta by Howrah-Hatia Express at Ranchi by 8.30 am. At the station they were received by staff and students of Don Bosco School led by the principal of the school, Fr. Davis. Kokar and by a team from World Vision led by Rekha Purnima Xalxo -Program Officer Incharge-ADP Ranchi|. The school band of Don Bosco led the motley group while the girls from World Vision dressed in tribal dress danced to lively steps as they led the to board the bus to Loreto Convent

NINE IS MINE - CHILDREN`S RAIL YATRA

Launched on 12th November 2011, the Children`s Rail Yatra from Kanyakumari to New Delhi got off to a rousing start with over 300 children belonging to the Chidren`s Parliament hosting the Rallyists at the Community Hall of Madathattuvilai, a village 10 kilometers from Nagercoil. They are to reach Delhi on 19th bringing their campaign for 9% of the Central Budget for children - 6% for Education and 3% for health.

Salesian Family delegates together pledge to serve the young

The first Salesian Family Formation Meeting of South Asian region was held in Don Bosco Provincial House, Bangalore on November 9-13, 2011. The Salesian Family delegates of 10 SDB and 6 FMA provinces of South Asian region participated in the meeting. It was animated by the world delegates of SDB and FMA delegates for Salesian Cooperators and Don Bosco Alumni and FMA past pupils from Rome. The meeting was first of its kind which is held in the South Asian Region and 45 delegates participated.

The journey of 9 steps starts afresh with a whistle!

As Nau Kadam Express chugged out of Kanyakumari station the Fourth Phase of `Nine is Mine` Campaign by children demanding 6% of the GDP for Education and 3% for Health got off to a great start blessed by children from Neighbourhood Parliaments from Kanyakumari. The contents: 9 children, 9 days, 9 cities, 9 states, 9 demands and the determination to get 9% for children`s Education and Health. The Rally was flagged off by Sri. Balakrishna, the Dy.S.P. of Kanyakumari. The rally will reach New Delhi on 19th having passed through Madurai, Chennai, Rajamundry, Bhubaneswar, Kolkotta, Ranchi, Kanpur.