Convened by Fr. Jesudoss Periyanayagam, Director of DEEPAGAM, the session aimed to develop actionable modules and plans for the clubs. These plans, which will be formalized into a Club Action Manual (CAM), align with Salesian charism and the catechetical mission of higher education by fostering holistic growth. A total of nine Salesian priests and three lay collaborators participated, contributing their expertise to ensure the clubs’ success.
The meeting’s primary objective was to finalize the draft of the Comprehensive Plans for the SALT and LIGHT clubs and turn it into an effective guide. This includes the rationale for the clubs, a clear statement of their vision, mission, and objectives, and details on the support systems Salesian Higher Educational Institutions (HEIs) will provide. It also outlines suggested programs, club norms, structures, and an implementation roadmap to facilitate the clubs’ launch. These guidelines aim to meet the expectations of students, coordinators, and college management, ensuring seamless implementation in institutions such as INM Arts and Science Colleges, Polytechnic Colleges, and Agricultural Colleges.
Fr. John Christy and Fr. Jesudoss P. presented the concept of SALT and LIGHT clubs, clearly outlining their purpose and structure. A workshop and brainstorming session moderated by Fr. C.M. Varghese encouraged participants to share innovative and practical ideas to further enhance the plans.
The discussions emphasized the importance of promoting faith formation through virtues and Gospel values, catering to the spiritual and moral development of both Christian and non-Christian students. This vision reflects Don Bosco’s mission of empowering youth with faith and values for personal and societal growth. Participants also highlighted Salesian characteristics such as patience, gentleness, and virtue formation, ensuring that the clubs reflect Don Bosco’s value-centered approach to education.
To ensure successful implementation, a core committee was formed to draft the Club Action Manuals (CAMs) and oversee their execution. Members of the committee include Fr. C.M. Varghese, Fr. Jesudoss P., Fr. John Christy, Fr. Mariasoosai A., and Mrs. Pauline Rose.
Other participants, such as Fr. Kirubagaran R., Fr. Augustin Arulraj, Fr. Jerome Cyril Dominic, Fr. Vincent Robert, Fr. Arockia Doss, Mr. A.D. Santo, and Mr. James VM, contributed significantly to the discussions. Their expertise in social responsibility, spirituality, literature, and science enhanced the quality of the meeting.
The clubs will collaborate with other departments in the INM Province, such as Youth Ministry, DBSARC, and the Don Bosco Higher Education Network, ensuring a coordinated and comprehensive approach to forming students.
The SALT and LIGHT clubs aim to cater to diverse student groups while fostering unity and collaboration. The SALT Club, designed for students of other faiths, will focus on inclusivity, value formation, and social engagement. Meanwhile, the LIGHT Club, intended for Christian students (both Catholic and non-Catholic), will emphasize faith formation and spiritual growth. Despite their distinct focus areas, both clubs share the mission of empowering young people with faith and values, forming them into responsible individuals who can contribute meaningfully to society.
A key theme of the meeting was the importance of faith formation rooted in Gospel values and Salesian charism. Participants envisioned the clubs as platforms for cultivating virtues like patience, gentleness, and integrity, fostering a visible Christian identity among students. The clubs also aim to promote virtue formation for students of all faiths, ensuring inclusivity while remaining faithful to Don Bosco’s vision of youth empowerment.
By intertwining faith formation with personal and social development, these clubs aim to nurture a generation of youth who embody the Salesian spirit of hope, service, and fraternity. Through faith and values, DEEPAGAM continues to illuminate the path of young people, empowering them to transform society with the light of the Gospel and the spirit of Don Bosco.
