The Don Bosco National Forum for the Young at Risk (DB YaR Forum) celebrated the launch of Annual YaR Campaign with much enthusiasm, hosted by DB Ashalayam in collaboration with the National DB YaR Team. Conducted in a hybrid mode, the event connected 65 centres across India, bringing together communities in a spirit of unity and hope. The celebration marked the conclusion of the campaign “FAMILY is where I BELONG” and the launch of the new initiative “Uphold our HOPES – Unfold our DREAMS.”

The programme opened with a prayer dance by Snehalaya Girls, Delhi, invoking God’s blessings followed by lighting of the lamp. Fr. Maria Arockiadoss, Rector & Director of DB Ashalayam, warmly welcomed the gathering, while Mr. William Kullu reflected on the highlights of the concluded campaign. During the last year, the National YaR Forum, with province hub coordinators, released eleven flipbooks on campaign topics. These creative resources reflected YaR Forum’s commitment to children and their communities.

In his message, Fr. Joe Prabu, Executive Director of the DB National Forum, highlighted the successful conclusion of “FAMILY is where I BELONG.” He noted that it opens the voice of young people crying out to us, “Uphold our Hopes, Unfold our Dreams.” Recalling Don Bosco’s childhood dream, he emphasized the power of compassion and care to transform lives. Quoting, “The unexamined life is not worth living,” he reminded all of life is a one-time gift. He urged everyone to live with realistic hopes, meaningful dreams, and high aspirations.

After the release of the Campaign Posters Ms. Vijayalakshmi Arora, Child Protection Specialist, UNICEF, New Delhi gave the keynote address. She appreciated the musical drama performed by the children of DB Ashalayam and Snehalaya. She emphasized that children grow best in a protected environment with family care, parental guidance, and community support. She reminded everyone that child protection is a shared responsibility of individuals, communities, and the government. Quoting Ralph Marston, she inspired all to “dare to dream big dreams, for those are the dreams that have the power to push your whole world forward.”

The cultural segment included a drama on the campaign theme, a poem recitation by children of Snehalaya and DB Ashalayam, Delhi, and a dance by students of Palam Education Centre, Delhi. The celebration concluded with a warm vote of thanks by Ms. Moumita.
The new campaign was launched as a movement to build a future of hope, dignity, and dreams for every child in every community.