The Salesian Province of Chennai (INM) is situated in the northern part of Tamil Nadu, India, with its Provincial Office in Chennai city. It extends its reach beyond Tamil Nadu to include the Union States of Puducherry and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands. Within Tamil Nadu, the province encompasses several districts: Chennai, Tiruvallur, Kanchipuram, Vellore, Ranipet, Tirupattur, Tiruvannamalai, Vizhupuram, Krishnagiri, Cuddalore, Nilgiris, and a part of the Erode district (Thalavadi).
Notably, the province's influence goes beyond India's borders, including Fujairah in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tamil Nadu, where the province is primarily located, is rich in history and culture, being the eleventh largest state in India by area and having the second-largest state economy in India as of 2023. Tamil Nadu is also known for its commitment to sustainable development, ranking as the 2nd most developed State in India in the NITI Aayog composite
Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) report 2020-21. The province benefits from being in a region with a substantial and diverse youth demographic, which ontributes to its economic and social dynamism.
Salesian in the Church
The Salesians, guided by Don Bosco's charism, embody God's love for the young, particularly the marginalized, through holistic education and evangelization within the Catholic Church. Rooted in India's socio-cultural fabric, notably in Tamil Nadu, their work echoes early Christian missionaries who prioritized social service alongside spiritual guidance. The Chennai Province (INM) significantly impacts North Tamil Nadu, collaborating with various Archdioceses and Dioceses to address social issues, promote values, and empower marginalized communities. With a 117-year history, the Salesians offer diverse educational opportunities, from academics to technical skills, nurturing youth through Don Bosco's Preventive System. Their mission reflects a commitment to inclusive knowledge-sharing and holistic development, driving socioeconomic and spiritual growth in the region.
Salesian Youth Ministry is a systematic activity of the Educative and Pastoral Community which is motivated by a charismatic mission. It seeks to enable young people to grow to maturity, in a religious vocation, and to communion with Jesus Christ in the Church. Christ is seen as the one who gives the fullness of life and is the basis of this fullness. It helps young people, by means of educational activity, to become “upright citizens and good Christians”. (Frame of Reference, p 41)
The Provincial Commission are an effective strategy that allows a group of people (Salesians and Laity) with the necessary competence and representativeness, to provide guidelines and ideas concerning the organization of the ministry. In general, the objective is to guarantee greater simplicity and agility in the relationships between the provincial reality and the houses. Let us not forget that our educative pastoral mission with the young is carried out in the Salesian houses.
MAIN PRIORITIES (2023-2029)
Education and formation of youth on the constitutional values of the Nation and on environmental responsibilities to become agents of social change.
Our mission is to provide transformative education and holistic formation to the youth, emphasizing the significance of constitutional values and environmental responsibilities. We are dedicated to nurturing a generation of socially conscious and empowered individuals who can drive positive change in society. Through innovative and inclusive educational programs, we aim to instil in our youth a deep understanding of human rights, justice, and environmental stewardship. By equipping them with the knowledge and skills to tackle pressing global challenges, we aspire to empower them as effective agents of social change, creating a more just, sustainable, and compassionate world for all.
A loving accompaniment and empowerment of Orphans and Semi-Orphans in Salesian presences.
To provide a loving accompaniment and empowerment to orphans and semi-orphans within Salesian presences, we are committed to creating a nurturing and supportive environment where these vulnerable children experience care, compassion, and a sense of belonging. Through holistic programs and personalized attention, we aim to empower them with education, life skills, and opportunities for growth, enabling them to overcome challenges and build a hopeful future. Our dedicated efforts and genuine love seek to transform the lives of these young souls, instilling in them resilience, selfworth, and the confidence to become active contributors to society.
Employability-focused skill education in resourceful and well-equipped technical institutes and colleges.
We are dedicated to equipping our students with practical and industry-relevant skills, enabling them to thrive in the dynamic job market. By fostering a learning environment that emphasizes hands-on training and innovation, we aim to empower individuals to become competent and confident professionals in their chosen fields. Through our commitment to excellence, we seek to bridge the gap between education andemployability, ensuring that our graduates are well-prepared to contribute effectively to the workforce and society as a whole.
Witnessing to the prophetic character of Salesian community life through radical religious discipline and generous availability for the missions.
We strive to live and model a life deeply rooted in faith, commitment, and selflessness, embracing the spirit of Don Bosco's vision. Through our dedicated religious discipline, we aim to inspire others and foster a strong sense of spiritual growth and moral values within our community. With unwavering dedication, we extend our generous availability to serve in various missions, reaching out to the marginalized, empowering the youth, and making a positive impact on society. Through our actions and devotion, we endeavour to keep alive the transformative legacy of Don Bosco and be a beacon of hope and love in the world.
Absolute priority in making our educational institutions to serve the poorest and initiate new frontiers that offer the best to the least.
It is our commitment to initiate new frontiers in education that offer the best opportunities to those with the least means. With unwavering dedication, we strive to create inclusive and empowering learning environments that uplift the marginalized and disadvantaged, equipping them with knowledge and skills for a brighter future. Through innovative approaches and tireless efforts, we aim to break down barriers to education and extend a helping hand to those in need, ensuring that no one is left behind in their pursuit of personal growth and success.
Formation of lay mission partners in Salesian charism and pedagogical leadership in view of a gradual entrusting of leadership roles of co-responsibility in the Educative Pastoral Community (EPC).
Our goal is to foster a sense of co-responsibility within the Educative Pastoral Community (EPC) by gradually entrusting leadership roles to capable and dedicated individuals. Through comprehensive training and mentorship, we seek to develop a strong cadre of lay leaders who embody Don Bosco's vision and values, actively contributing to the growth and development of our educational institutions. We are committed to nurturing a collaborative and inclusive community where lay mission partners and Salesians work hand-in-hand, forging a path towards excellence and holistic education for the youth we serve.
Education and Formation of Youth: Transformative education focusing on constitutional values and environmental responsibilities to empower youth as agents of social change.
Empowerment of Orphans and Semi-Orphans: Provide loving care and holistic support within Salesian communities to empower vulnerable children for a hopeful future.
Employability-Focused Skill Education: Equip students with industryrelevant skills in well-equipped technical institutes and colleges for success in the job market.
Witnessing Salesian Community Life: Embody faith, commitment, and selflessness through religious discipline and generous service in missions.
Priority for the Poorest: Focus on serving the poorest through educational institutions and initiating new opportunities for the disadvantaged.
Formation of Lay Mission Partners: Develop lay leaders in Salesian charism and pedagogy to gradually entrust leadership roles within the Educative Pastoral Community.