Don Bosco's contributions towards the uplifting of the less privileged people was recognized, and Bosconet, being the network of Don Bosco social development institutions in and across India, was chosen to be honoured with the prestigious award.
Fr Noel Maddhichetty was conferred with the award by the founder of Art4Peace award, Dame Dr.Munni Irone and other chief dignitaries of the ceremony. The award ceremony was graced by dignitaries from India and abroad, including representative of His Excellence, Dalai Lama, the elected president of the Tibetan community Dr Lobsang Sangay, chief representative from Mr Ratan Tata, chief political leaders and eminent personalities from the media, health and law sector, whose achievements were also honoured at the event.
Don Bosco was doubly recognized at the event through the receipt of a special award by Father VM Thomas SDB, Former Director-Don Bosco Institute, Guwahati, for his 50 years of selfless service for the youth, especially those in the North East. What came forth through the dual awards was the significant impact Don Bosco was making in the lives of numerous underprivileged children, youth and women across the nation, through quality education, market oriented skill training and provision of sustainable livelihoods. In the forthcoming years, Bosconet-Don Bosco India plans to converge its pan-India initiatives through the four flagship programs namely, Empowering Young at Risk, Skilling for Sustainable Living, Empowerment of Women and the Don Bosco Green Alliance.
The Art4Peace Award is an incredible milestone in the history of Don Bosco India. At this juncture, we take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt gratitude to our valuable partners who have generously contributed resources to realise the vision of Don Bosco in India from 1906.
“We are honoured to receive this award on behalf of all our donors and the people who are associated with us directly and indirectly, working with us as one family. We appreciate and thank Dame Dr. Munni Irone, the founder and CEO of Art4Peace, for the recognition given to Don Bosco and his mission for youth. We join hands as partners and protagonists of peace mission to unite the world,” the Salesians in India said.
Source: Don Bosco India
