Five hundred children and 86 staff members from 14 Salesian centres in the region took part in the programme, which is called ‘Yuvaspandhana’ in the local language.
“Dear children, you are stars treading the face of the earth”, said Fr Michael Konnanickatt SDB from the Salesian centre in Yadagiri-Badir, delivering the introductory speech. A symbolic gesture was used to represent the enlightening power of education: a candle was given to each child representative.
In his address the Honourable K H Miniyappa, Minister of State for Railways, stressed the high quality and the commitment of the Salesians in India, comparing their impact to that of two personalities who are much loved throughout the country, Gandhi and Blessed Mother Teresa of Calcutta. The Minister promised to continue his active and concrete support for the Salesians so that they would be able to pursue their activities for children and young people at risk.
“Even though these are children at risk, they too are talented and Don Bosco Society is doing the much needed noble service of bringing out the best in them”, said the Honourable M K Ayyappa IAS, Deputy Commissioner of the Urban District of Bangalore.
Activities during the day included both prayer sessions and cultural entertainments to encourage youthful creativity. In the afternoon the young people joined in a rally emphasising the right to education, leaving from the school and arriving at the Office of the vice-Director of Public Education in Bangalore. A petition requesting free and compulsory education for all children under the age of 18 was handed over to the Education Officer. The rally was followed by a debate on the right to education, led by Fr George Kollashany SDB.
Published 11/5/2011
