TIRUPATTUR, 09 DECEMBER, 2024: On the occasion of 200th Anniversary of the First Dream of Don Bosco, Don Bosco Youth Animation South Asia (DBYA-SA) and Salesian Province of Chennai organized SYMFEST (Salesian Youth Movement) on the theme: Youth as Agents of Change, anchored in Hope. 

All South Asian Salesian Provinces’ (Bengaluru, Chennai, Dimapur, Guwahati, Hyderabad, Kolkata, Panjim, Mumbai, New Delhi, Shillong, Tiruchy and Sri Lanka) DBYAs came together with 1834 Youth from four South Asian Countries, namely India, Sri Lanka, Bangladesh and Nepal, took part in the SYMFEST from 29th December 2024 to 1st January 2025 in Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur, Vellore District, Tamil Nadu.

The day-one was flamboyant and vibrant with Original Theme Song and Dance, Rangoli, Creative Art, Drawing, Painting and Tableau on Youth Power; the day-two was “full of cultures” so to say, and the day-three was “youth-action” and the day-four was welcoming “new-year 2025 with festive gaiety”.

The salient youth topics imparted in the Fest were: Social Media: The Magic, The Logic, and The Tragic; Youth and Integral Ecology, My Dream for My Country; Inner Journey - Youth and Solitude; and Constitutional Way of Living.

Important youth events were: Bosco Beats and Steps; Christmas Cantata - Sound and Light Program on Christmas; Cross-Culture Communion - Under One Roof - Exchange of Cultural Gifts; Peace and Unity Rally in Cultural Dress; Journal Writing and Drawing up Resolutions; Carol Singing Competition; and Short-films Competitions.

Daily Solemn Eucharistic Celebrations were presided over by Rev. Fr. Don Bosco Loudusamy, Provincial INM, Rt. Rev. Dr. Ambrose Pitchaimuthu DD, Bishop of Vellore, Rt. Rev. Dr. Sagayaraj Thamburaj DD Bishop of Thanjavur and Rt. Rev. Dr. Lawrence Pius DD, Bishop of Dharmapuri; while, Prayer Moments for the Members of Other Religions were facilitated separately. Also, a candle-lit SYM Rosary Procession was held in devotion to Blessed Virgin Mary in a late evening.

New Year Blessings and Celebrations witnessed grand youth revelry well through the night on New Year eve with carol singings and dancing. The Four-day celebration concluded with Prize Distribution and Closing Ceremony.

Some of the renowned chief guests were: Mr. Nandakumar IRS, Income Tax Department, Ministry of Finance, Government of India, Mr. Jayaseelan IDAS, Ministry of Defense, Government of India, Fr. Ernest Rosario the Director and In-charge of BosCom, Fr. Patrick Antonyraj SDB, the Secretary of the Vicar of the Rector Major, Rome, Dr. Sultan A. Ismail, Scientist, Member of TNSPC, Fr. John Parankimalil SDB, the secretary of SPCSA and many other speakers engaged the participants.

Speaking on the catechetical significance of the YOUTH-FEST, the organizing Core Team states: “The gathering highlighted the celebration of diversity, encouraged values such as unity, equality, convergence and acceptance. This gathering called on the youth to return as change-makers, ready to shape a better future for the nation and the world. By encouraging dialogue and discussion on national issues, the SYMFEST sought to nurture youth leaders who would guide society toward solidarity, freedom and dignity. Also, SYMFEST focused on building and strengthening knowledge of the socio-political and economic development of self, others, and the nation; the formation in leadership, organizational and communication skills along with values on community-centered approach with resilience and perseverance.”

This Fest was a memorable event for youngsters from various cultures, creeds, and regions. Rooted in Don Bosco’s legacy of empowering the young, SYMFEST 2024-25 was the transformative event for the young people that fostered leadership, dialogue, and unity. The sessions during the SYMFEST was centered on leadership formation, ecology, media, and social responsibility. It struck the right cord in the heart of the young people to be the agents of change and harbingers of hope through the good news of Jesus Christ.