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We are an international collective of young people from Salesian Institutions & organizations who are passionate about the welfare of our only planet.
Member Activities
Clean Hills Club Organizes Cleanliness Drive on National Cleanliness Day
On January 30, 2025, the Clean Hills Club of Don Bosco College (Co-Ed), Yelagiri Hills, organized a Cleanliness Drive in the Athanavoor area to mark National Cleanliness Day. The initiative aimed to promote environmental awareness, encourage responsible waste management, and instill sustainable practices among students and the community. A total of 44 students from various departments actively participated in the drive, dedicating their 5th and 6th hours to cleaning the locality. The event focused on two key activities: area cleaning and waste segregation. Students worked collaboratively to clear accumulated waste, sweep the streets, and categorize collected waste into recyclable, biodegradable, and non-biodegradable materials. Despite challenges such as the large amount of waste, the students remained committed and successfully transformed the area into a cleaner space. The initiative not only improved the local environment but also raised awareness about cleanliness and sustainability, fostering a sense of responsibility and teamwork among participants. The success of the event has inspired future initiatives, reinforcing the importance of community-driven efforts in maintaining a clean and healthy environment.
Campus Bird Count at Assam Don Bosco University
The Campus Bird Count (CBC) is a unique citizen science initiative aimed at documenting bird species found in educational institutions, research campuses, NGO premises, and other green spaces. It is an integral part of the Great Backyard Bird Count (GBBC), a global effort that engages thousands of birdwatchers in recording and monitoring bird species annually. As part of the GBBC, the Department of Zoology, Don Bosco University conducted the Campus Bird Count 8.0 on 14th February, 2025. This exciting initiative was led by Dr. Biswajit Chakdar, Assistant Professor Department of Zoology along with the Alumni of the Department. Before the bird count, Dr. Biswajit Chakdar conducted an orientation session where he provided a detailed briefing on how to use the eBird application for real-time data entry and checklist submission. He also explained the importance of the GBBC and how regular bird observations help in understanding long-term population trends and habitat preferences.
A total of 20 bird checklists were uploaded on eBird. The survey recorded a total of 55 bird species, including both wetland and terrestrial birds, showcasing the rich avian diversity of the mosaic habitat of Tapesia Campus. The Campus Bird Count 8.0 was a resounding success, engaging students, faculty, and alumni in birdwatching, biodiversity conservation, and citizen science participation. By documenting bird species and uploading the data to eBird, participants contributed valuable information for global bird monitoring efforts. A total of 88 participants took part in the event including 5 alumni.
Bird Watching at Assam Don Bosco University
The Department of Zoology, Don Bosco University conducted the Campus Bird Count 7.0 on 12th February, 2024. This exciting initiative was led by Dr. Nilutpal Mahanta Senior Project Officer, WWF India with 85 participants braving the early morning cold to spot the diversity of avian species on campus. The team encompassed students, research scholars, staffs and faculties from the Department of Zoology as well as other Departments. All the participants reported at 6:45AM. Dr. Mahanta briefed the participants about the event and how the participants can get involved with different organizations that will help in contributing towards conservation of flora and fauna. Around 7:00 AM the participants headed towards the “Elephant walk” area of the campus for the bird count cum bird watching event.
The event proved fruitful, with participants sighting around 36 different bird species within the campus premises. From Common Myna to Green-billed Malkoha, the diverse avifauna delighted both seasoned birdwatchers and newcomers alike. Dr. Mahanta, renowned for his expertise in ornithology, guided the participants, sharing insights into bird behavior and ecology throughout the event. The success of the bird counting event underscores the growing interest in wildlife conservation and ecological studies among students and the broader community within the university. Such initiatives not only promote environmental awareness but also contribute valuable data to ongoing research efforts.
Urban Biosphere at Instituto Domingo Savio, Cordoba, Argentina
At the Instituto Domingo Savio, located in the Don Bosco neighborhood of the city of Córdoba, Argentina, the innovative interdisciplinary project “Urban Biosphere” was carried out this year. This initiative, promoted by the subject of Geography, was developed by the students of fifth year A and B, under the guidance of Professor Jonatan Montes Gobelet. Biosfera Urbana was recognized, standing out among 247 proposals in the Educational Innovation Projects of the Province of Córdoba and obtaining the approval of the City's Deliberative Council.
World Cleanup Day at Salesian Association Don Bosco - Mozambique
World Cleanup Day is celebrated on the third Saturday of September and is a global action aimed at raising awareness of the importance of cleaning up the environment and encouraging the preservation of ecosystems.
CFPSM's mission is to offer an integral education by creating a healthy educational environment (Institutional Development Plan 2024-2027), advocating actions that have a positive impact on the life of the educational community. For this reason, it didn't let the date pass unnoticed.
In order to make CV2 and CV3 industrial electricity trainees aware of the importance of cleaning and preserving the environment, the institution's environment department, supported by the RSFP environment coordinator, organised a solid waste cleaning and monitoring campaign, followed by a short talk, attended by 109 people, including 82 men and 27 women.
During the clean-up campaign, 25 bags of solid waste were collected, including 5 plastic bags, 2 cans, 12 generic bags, 4 paper bags and 2 glass bags.
Environmental Protection at Don Bosco Kep, Cambodia (Video)
Watch this video which beautifully sums up the work done at Don Bosco Kep, Cambodia to raise ecological awareness among young people. Fr. Albeiro Rodas explains the various ecological projects that the school and its students are working on together. As the creators of this video say - “A portrait of a unique, beautiful place in Cambodia that should remind us of our roots and Mother Earth.”
Blog Articles
2025 marks the tenth anniversary of Laudato Si’, Pope Francis’ landmark encyclical letter on the Care for Our Common Home, in which he invited all people of good to “a new dialogue about how we are shaping the future of our planet” (Laudato Si’, 14). However, as Pope Francis recognizes in Laudate Deum, the apostolic exhortation published on 4th October 2023, “our responses have not been adequate” and “the world in which we live is collapsing and may be nearing the breaking point.” (Laudate Deum, 2).
I have picked up this line, “My good friend, what’s your name?” from the conversation Don Bosco had with a young lad, Bartholomew Garelli. He was beaten up by a sacristan for not knowing how to serve for Mass. Don Bosco rescued him from the sacristan, but the sacristan was angry at Don Bosco and said, “What does it matter to you?” Don Bosco, with the heart of a Good Shepherd, said, “It matters plenty. He’s my friend.”
by Fr. Ricopar Royan
The heart of a hummingbird is larger proportionate to its body and so it has a massive flight power. This tiny bird flies alone nearly 40 km/day during its 5,000 km migration. When our problems are oversized, let’s not give up but rely on our hearts’ power. Look for the next supply of energy.
As the year comes to a close, many experience a slower work period as schools and colleges break for vacation. This is the time most people are busy arranging Christmas gatherings, travel, and family vacations. Amidst all of this, we must not forget that the season of Advent is a call to spiritual renewal, to deeper love, to fruitful meditation on key figures of our salvation history (the prophets, Mary, John the Baptist).
As we conclude this year’s Season of Creation, we reflect on the vibrant and meaningful activities that brought our community together in celebration, reflection, and action. From September 1st to October 4th, we embraced the theme “To Hope and Act with Creation" Take a glimpse at the activities from the Salesian Family.
Changing a few habits when it comes to food consumption to avoid wastage can make a big difference:
● Schedule a weekly ‘Use It Up’ Day or ‘Use It Up’ Meal to make the most of leftover ingredients.
The world wasted 1.05 billion tonnes of food in 2022, about 1/5 of all the food that was available to consumers.
● Most food wastage, 60%, occurs in the home.
United Religions Initiative (URI) is a non-governmental organization (NGO) with consultative status with the United Nations Economic and Social Council. URI, the world's largest grassroots interfaith network, cultivates peace and justice by engaging people to bridge religious and cultural differences and work together for the good of their communities and the world.
Infinite Dignity: A Privilege To Care For Creation
The impact of the present imbalances in the environment affects the most vulnerable people on the planet. Strategies for a solution demand an integrated approach to combating poverty, restoring dignity to the excluded, and at the same time protecting nature.
Bonding with the Feathered Brother
Bird watching is fascinating. It’s been happening in my sister’s house in Chennai. Every day a crow visits her kitchen window. Not for his day’s share of cooked food or bird's feed, but for his delicacy mixture (a common spicy snack). When others try to offer the best bird’s feed, it doesn’t interest him. He demands only mixture.
Heatwaves: Testing our human endurance
India was sweating through heatwaves in the past few months. Temperatures in 37 cities crossed 45ºC and night-time temperatures remained as high as 36 degrees in many locations.
My missionary experience took me to Banswara, Rajasthan. Along with my friend, Dr. Gloria, I went for 10 days. Our visit was during peak summer, and the scorching 48-degree heat was harrowing, but it was also an opportunity to see a new place, culture, and way of life. Salesian Missionary Volunteering is invaluable for youth seeking exposure and a chance to make an impact. It allows young people a chance to explore another side of life.