Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Bangalore (Fides Service) - The mission of the Salesians in India, as elsewhere in the world, is educating young people and promoting their human, spiritual and professional development. Their work is appreciated by the local Churches and also by local civil authorities.
In India a main field of activity for Salesians is to address the problem of child labour. On June 12 Father Koottungal Vargheese, head of “Don Bosco Youth Centre” in Bangalore, received the “Makkala Mithra”, award from Karnataka state labour minister. In the motivation for the award it was underlined that the Salesian Institute has distinguished itself “for outstanding success in efforts to uproot child labour”. The prize consists of 10.000 Rupee (200 Euro) and a certificate of merit. The name “Bosco”, has two meanings in the local language: it stands for St John Bosco, who founded the Salesians, and BOSCO are the first letters of each word in the phrase “Bangalore works for street children”.
There are seven Salesian centres in Bangalore, capital of Karnataka. Since the 1980s the city has become known for its production of computer software with more than 160 international companies engaged in joint ventures with Indian companies. In fact the area is called India’s “Silicon valley”.
But in the outskirts the Bangalore, which has a population of over 4 million, at least one million extremely poor people live in 70 different slums, without infrastructures, schools, social assistance or health care. As a result child labour is widespread. One major commitment of the local Church through various institutes and communities, including the Salesians, is to help to educate children and improve their life quality and prospects for the future.
(PA) (Agenzia Fides 18/6/2004 lines 25 words 254)
