by BIS Correspondent
AHMEDNAGAR-MAHARAHSTRA, MARCH 14, 2015: In commemoration of the bicentenary of the birth of Don Bosco, the Salesians of Don Bosco (Ahmednagar Region) organized a 
"Youth Dhamaka" on March 8, 2015 which was attended by over 210 youngsters from nine parishes of the region. The theme was 'Called to be Leaders' with special focus on Don Bosco's constant exhortation to his boys of being honest citizens and good Christians. Fr. Rolvin D'Mello was the main coordinator for the event.
The event began at 9.00 a.m. with registration of the participants. Breakfast was then served as quite a few of them were from distant rural parishes. Lighting of the lamp and a welcome note by Fr. Manuel Murzello followed at 10.00 a.m. The participants were divided into 12 teams, each named after a saint and with its own colour coded badge.
Action songs and icebreakers helped get them into the mood for the event. Mr. Anant Patil, Chief Editor of the Lokmat Newspaper in Ahmednagar then gave a talk on "Being good leaders and honest citizens", which was inspiring and well received by the participants. After a game and a small break, they attended the Holy Eucharist with Fr. George D'Abreo preaching an insightful sermon.
Post lunch the various groups presented skits on burning social issues. The enthusiasm and creativity of the participants was noteworthy and appreciated by all. This was followed by a talk by
Mr. Ian Lemos on youth leadership and ownership in the church, with insights into the benefits and dangers of over reliance on tools of communication especially mobile phones.
A charismatic adoration was organized after which, Fr. Thomas D'Costa addressed the youth on the topic 'Jesus' Call' and emphasized on the need to listen and respond to the call of Jesus. This joyous and fun filled day ended with tea and snacks and an impromptu jam session. All the youth were given a souvenir each as they left.
The youth were highly appreciative of the creative and wholehearted efforts of the organizing team (Frs. Rolvin, Goyal and George) and all the animators as they went back inspired and committed to adopting the values they imbibed.