Later, from 5 to 9 March, he visited several houses in the Indian Bangalore Province (INK): Bidar, Yadgiri, Hospet, Chitradurga, Mane, Vatsalya Bhavan, Yuvodaya, Kristu Jyoti College, Visvadeep, Tumkur. On the last day, he attended the inauguration of the "Don Bosco College" together with the Consultor for the South Asian Region, Fr. Biju Michael, and other Church and Salesian dignitaries, and held a training session for theology students.
He reminded the Salesians of the importance of Salesian fatherliness. Many young people experience physical and spiritual "orphanhood," with emotional wounds, and are looking for a "home" where they can heal their hearts, where they can find emotional support. Like a true father of a family, the Salesian must provide all the things necessary for existence: a roof, clothes, food, an education, a job... but even more so the love that many teenagers lack. The courtyard is the beating heart of the house, for everything comes alive in the expenditure in the labors of play, theater, music, and songs. It is the joy that is released in being together, in living and sharing the common existence, the everydayness and spirituality of life lived in Jesus.
He spoke to the students about the importance of taking advantage of life's opportunities. They are like door-to-door salesmen. Usually you don't want to open them, because you already think you know how it will turn out, or you are afraid to say "no" when asked a question. But the real opportunities are the ones that you don't see right away and that appear at the most unexpected times. Training or formation in a Salesian center is one of these important opportunities, and those who benefit from it must have confidence and trust and be constant in our intentions. The future is always in one's own hands.
He reminded the youth of the Social Works of the importance of smiles and friendship. Accordingly, long faces, offensive and discouraging words, and threats are forbidden. One of the richest expressions of Don Bosco's pedagogy is Salesian joy. It is love enjoyed; it is its first fruit. The greater the love, the greater the joy.
The Bangalore Province has a total of 65,568 beneficiaries in 18 parishes, 12 boarding schools, 68 academic institutes, 5 technical training centers, 11 work centers for at-risk youth, 23 social works, 38 youth centers and oratories, 6 training houses, a social communication center and 2 publishing houses.
On his visit to INK, the General Councilor greatly appreciated the innovative projects (CREAM, DREAM), the presence of educational institutions in poor areas, and the dedication of so many Salesians and lay people in the mission. He emphasized the value of promoting the quality of life of minors in conditions of vulnerability, fragility and exclusion; support for young migrants; prevention and recovery from old and new addictions; social and labor insertion; welcoming young people in conflict with the law by offering alternative measures to detention; educational interventions and raising awareness of a culture of solidarity.
https://www.infoans.org/en/sections/news/item/17479-india-animation-visit-of-general-councilor-for-youth-ministry-in-bangalore-ends#sigProId37bbea5ece
