SALSIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT

SALSIAN YOUTH MOVEMENT IN NORTH-WEST INDIA

CONNECTS, CELENRATES, COMMITS

DAKOR, DEC 20, 2017: The Salesian Youth Movement (SYM) SYMBIOS GuRaM 2017 was officially inaugurated by Rev. Father Godfrey D’Souza – Salesian Provincial Mumbai on December 09, 2017 at Dakor Don Bosco, Gujarat. Amidst a vast gathering comprising of 445 youth participants, volunteers, Salesian, SMI and FMA nuns, Father D’Souza declared the gathering open by launching the SYMBIOS Logo-Rosary Balloon that took flight on a pleasant sunny weekend morning.

Prayer dance was presented by the girls of Pushpanjali, Dakor. Fr. Dinesh Vasava sdb, the director of Amrut Dhara and the Gujarat region youth coordinator explained the concept of SYMBIOS to the youths of the GuRaM Region. There after the Symbios theme song was presented by the youth of St. Michael Church, Mickhelpura-Suket and the volunteers.

SYMBIOS signifies Salesian Youth Movement and Life (Bios), through which the Salesians of Don Bosco promote and integral Salesian Youth Spirituality among the young. The theme for this SYMBIOS, would focus on three core areas: CONNECT (HOME), CELEBRATE (LIFE), and COMMIT (LOVE)

CONNECT (HOME): The SYM basically linked various groups in the communities and province that share the Salesian spirituality and pedagogy. It helped us to live like a family at HOME where we know one another, our works, our plans, our mission, our style.

CELEBRATE (LIFE): The SYM gathering was a celebration of our faith, our life, our culture and Salesian values and pedagogy. It was not a time to compete with one another, but a moment to celebrate! In a family atmosphere, we did not compete with one another.

COMMIT (LOVE): Love was expressed in service, in total self-giving, in making a difference in the lives of others. The SYM challenges the youth to socio-political involvement, apostolic and voluntary service in the Church and in society.

The young from 14 Institution in the GURAM (Gujarat, Rajasthan and Madhya Pradesh) Region were called, connected and celebrated the togetherness. The whole campus was illumined with colorful lights, Symbios flex, flags, banners, posters and ‘shamiyaana’. During the two-day event, among the varied activities, were included creative expressions like collage-making, rangoli, best out of waste, folk dances, secessions, and cultural programme. Thereafter followed the Cultural dances representing their local culture and traditions of the region. It was a fantastic cultural programme. The youth performed the dances with all their energy. It was so wonderful to see all of them so talented. Thanks to all those who took interest in preparing all the dances.

Tele Games were animated by brothers Sheldon, Thomas, Vikram and youth. The games were filled with fun and laughter. A motivational talk was given by Shailesh Christie. He combined the theme Connect, Commit and Celebrate. The youth who came to participate in Gujarat were also given the taste of Gujarati Garba after dinner. This garba was played live. Good night thought was given by Fr. Pratap Damor, the former MP/RJ youth co-ordinator. He shared his thoughts with the young before going to bed. The Core committee had organized a review meeting with the volunteers. There were some important points were put forward to improve for the next day.

On the following day was Sunday, the Eucharistic celebration was for all the Catholic Youth and the interfaith prayer service was animated by Fr. Dinesh Vasava for 150 youth. Then followed a common session on SYS (Salesian Youth Spirituality) animated by Fr. Pannasingh Bhuriya in Hindi. He emphasized a few important points based on the Salesian Spirituality as St. John Bosco would advise his fellowmen. There were various secessions animated by the resource persons on the themes of Family-Relationship, Environment, Education-Culture and Social Action.

The participates were reworded with the participatory certificates for SYMBIOS-2017. Fr. Isaac Arackaparambil, sdb gave the departing Symbios message of binding everyone in a strong family bond. Fr. Pannasingh Bhuriya, sdb delivered the vote of thanks. At the end the Symbios theme song was played and all wished good bye till we meet for the next …SYMBIOS. Our special thanks to Fr. Godfrey D’Souza, Fr. Savio Silveira, Fr. Manuel Murzello and the provincial Council for the support and encouragement. We also appreciate the Core Committee’s hard work and planning put in for the success towards this event. Thanks to Fr. Christopher George and his team for high lighting the event in the social media. We are grateful to the Almighty for His blessings upon each one of us.

The SYMBIOS GuRaM is the first such instance of a vast gathering of young people from across the institutions animated by the Salesian Family in the north-western part of India. This mega event was an occasion to commit to a better me and a better we. We did not intend to make SYMBIOS a competitive event, but rather a celebration of our Salesian spirituality, giftedness and talents!

Fr. Pannasingh Bhuriya, sdb

Youth Co-ordinator for MP/RJ.